If you’re like many people these days, you may be working a lot and relaxing very little. With technology always advancing, there are many ways for work to creep into your personal life and make you feel like you’re always on the clock. This can raise stress and anxiety levels, and take away from the rewarding experience of a new job. The good news is that there are simple ways to put balance back in your life, so that both your work and personal life get the attention they need.
Set Priorities and Goals
If you’re as productive as possible during your work day, there will be much less of a need to catch up on work during your personal time. Make yourself a to-do list at work each morning by order of priority. If you set a goal to accomplish the important things on the list every day and check them off as you go, you’ll soon find order in your work day that you haven’t had before, as well as a feeling of accomplishment.
Put Away Technology
Many people seem to have their phone permanently attached to their hand. A recent study showed that the average person checks their phone 46 times a day. Make it a point to check your phone and email less often throughout the day and, if possible, to check only rarely after work and on days off. You’ll be happier as a result and feel less stress, and your relationships will improve since you’ll be more present to the people in your life.
Figure Out Ways to Save Time
For those with busy schedules and little free time, it can seem like any free time you do have is spent running errands. Consider figuring out other ways to get those errands accomplished so you don’t have to spend your valuable time on them. Can you order groceries online and have them delivered? Hire a neighborhood kid to mow your lawn or shovel the driveway? Do more financial transactions online so you don’t have to wait at the bank? These may cost a little extra money, but the hours you would save that you could instead spend relaxing with family and friends will be worth it.
Plan Downtime and Travel
Even if you have the type of job where you are busy all the time, it’s still important that you set aside time to relax. Working all the time will only lead to burnout. Make some time to enjoy the efforts of your labor and have some fun. Also, find time to travel, even if you can only manage weekend trips. Getting out of your everyday environment is critical to help you recharge your energy and get perspective. You’ll only be better at work as a result!
Go Outside and Exercise
It’s important to your health to go out in the sun every day for at least ten minutes, even if it’s cold outside. Our bodies need sunlight to properly absorb essential vitamins, and our brains need sunlight and fresh air for well-being. Exercise keeps your body in shape and improves your focus and concentration at work. Being in nature also helps bring balance into your life by allowing time to reflect on what’s most important to you both personally and professionally.
Following these steps will quickly put you on the path to finding balance between your work and personal life, and will lead to a happier outlook and improved relationships all around!
