Achieving a good work-life balance
For all those who’ve changed their working pattern from working onsite or an office, to home working or a hybrid approach has thrown everyone’s work-life balance into a spin. It is important to regain that structure to help you feel more on top of things and to allow you to prioritise tasks. Work-life balance is a very personal experience and is important to maintain a healthy wellbeing.
Creating an Office Space at Home
A major challenge that almost all remote workers face at one point, or another is designating a working space where the work and home lives are separate. Being able to disconnect with your work can help you boost your productivity and enables you to look after your household affairs efficiently. Therefore, creating the physical divide between work life and family is an ardent task, but it is also a crucial one when working from home.
Take Regular Breaks
Whether you are at home or in the office, proper breaks are essential to maintain focus and produce good quality work. Getting up from your desk to take a few breaths, stretch and disconnect for even a few moments will help you to maintain productivity throughout the day and reduce the effects of mounting stress.
Stay Active
It is important to make sure that you stay active to reduce stress. If you are not able to get to a gym, then you could engage in moderate exercise at home, 30 minutes a day can be beneficial. Exercise is one of the best ways to fight symptoms of mental health problems, and people who are less physically active are more at risk of anxiety and depression.
Learn to switch off
It can be hard not to be tempted to finish off a few things in the evening, especially if work is particularly busy. However, having an evening ritual or routine can help you to switch off from work and concentrate on your own time. If you work at home, it can help if you close the door on the room where you work and relax in a different room.
Discuss your work schedule with others
It can be a good idea to talk your schedule over with others beyond your supervisor and colleagues. If you live with other people, for example, it is important to discuss how you will work from home or when you will be out at work. Perhaps set some ground rules to allow you to maintain your work–life balance. It helps to create some accountability, which helps people to stick to it.
Stick to Routine
Routine and structure are crucial to managing stress, and that starts with your sleep. Resist the urge to hit the snooze button. Research shows oversleeping can dampen your cognitive function just like sleep deprivation can. Do something positive with the time you saved from your commute if you work from home, such as cooking a healthy lunch or going for a jog. If you have returned to the workplace, maybe set an earlier alarm so you can exercise before you must leave for work.
Plan your day
Review your to-do list and make an outline for your day. This will help you to be more productive and focused in the time that you have.
Don’t try to be all things to all people
It is okay to say no. If a friend asks you to do something, but you feel overwhelmed or two tired, then say no and reschedule. It is important to set aside time for you to have space and unwind.
Prioritise your task
You may have a large list of tasks to complete. Categorising tasks to identify which are urgent and which are less important can help to manage a busy period. Remember to take your time, you can only do so much.
Dedicate time to yourself
It can be tempting to bury yourself in your work when going through a difficult time in your personal life. This can result in your work taking over the entirety of your time. Make sure you set aside time regularly for yourself, whether that be to take part in hobbies or simply to relax in front of the television.
*Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. We cannot be held responsible for any actions you might take because of it. Please seek medical advice before making any significant changes to your eating habits or lifestyle. Source: Care First EAP Services in association with Life & Progress-Intermediary. Oct22, E&OE.
