Work hard, play harder: Work-life balance tips
If you're still at your computer long after your 9-to-5 has ended, your work-life balance is likely out of sync.
Going to work is a normal part of life, but what happens when your job starts to consume too much of your personal time?
Achieving a healthy work-life balance is a must for every employee, regardless of your occupation.
There's nothing wrong with going above and beyond in the workplace, but if you constantly prioritise your job over your personal life or family, then you have a problem.
There are many reasons why people put work before their happiness:
Bills to pay
A toxic and uncaring boss who expects you to be available 24/7
Fear of losing their job
Feeling guilty about calling in sick because it could affect your colleagues
Unmanageable workloads
But no one was born to work, eat, sleep and repeat. While some people find themselves in difficult situations that are not easily changed, many people can achieve a healthy work-life balance by setting boundaries.
Good time management and better communication with your boss also help!
What is burnout?
According to WebMD, "burnout is an ongoing state of feeling overwhelmed, fatigued, and emotionally drained due to consistent stress in your work, family, or social life".
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Some countries take work-life balance very seriously. For instance, employees in Paris, France, typically take two-hour lunch breaks.
In Australia, employees have the "right to disconnect" after work hours, which means they can ignore work emails without being afraid of repercussions.
Most stores in Barcelona, Spain, are closed on a Sunday.
Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life
Work-life balance tips
However, you don't have to live in Australia, France or Spain to juggle work and play without dropping the ball.
Here are four tips to help you achieve a healthier work-life balance.
1. Don't feel guilty about setting boundaries
Boundaries are important for both your work and personal life, and you should never feel guilty about protecting your well-being and mental health.
Make sure you are aware of your working hours and what's expected of you during that period. There will be days when you might have to come in early or leave a bit later, but don't make that the norm. Unless it's something urgent, avoid answering work-related calls or checking your emails after hours.
This also applies if you work from home. Treat your home office like your workplace to avoid staring at your laptop screen from morning to night.
2. Learn how to prioritise
One way to avoid working longer than necessary is to prioritise your tasks. Get the important tasks done first and keep track of urgent deadlines. Some tasks can be put off to the next day if need be, while others can be delegated.
Also, don't be afraid to say no when colleagues try to add to your workload, especially if you are already feeling overwhelmed.
3. Don't be afraid to speak up
Speaking of feeling overwhelmed, don't be afraid to communicate with your team or boss if your workload is too much, especially if it is because people keep dumping unnecessary tasks on your plate.
4. Take your lunch break!
The number of people who don't take their lunch break will surprise you. However, not only is it legally allowed, but leaving your desk for an hour has many benefits. It can help reduce stress, improve focus and even boost your creativity.
Believe it or not, taking lunch breaks actually boosts productivity, as stepping away from work allows you to recharge and tackle the rest of the day with renewed energy.
If all else fails...
If you work in a highly stressful job that demands a lot of your time, try blending work and life.
Instead of being stuck in the office all day, work from your favourite coffee shop for a few hours or a restaurant with a beautiful sea view. Find ways to connect with the outside world while fulfilling your work commitments.
And if you need any more motivation on why you should find a work-life balance, remember what happened to Howard Payne in 'Speed', starring Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves.
He became so bitter after being forced into retirement after years of service, and all he received was a gold watch!
Are those extra hours worth the never-ending physical and emotional exhaustion?
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