The subject of work-life balance has been with us since long before Dolly Parton sang about the trials and travails of workin’ “9 to 5.” Thankfully, these tips can help ensure it isn’t “all takin’ and no givin’” but a better and more equal balance.
Understand Your Limits
While we call it a “work-life balance,” nobody achieves a perfect 50-50 split. As such, you shouldn’t pressure yourself to craft the perfect schedule. There are going to be times when you work more than you want, and there are going to be days when you feel lazier than you might like. Balance, like batting averages, is about success over time.
Pursue Your Passion
“Do what you love” is a horrible cliché – and it’s frankly impossible for those working jobs just trying to get by. There’s no shame in that (in fact, it’s downright commendable), but you never want to lose sight of whatever brings light and joy into your life. Even if your “passion” seems like a longshot, try and find time to pursue it in any capacity you can. When you’re doing something you love, it doesn’t feel like work at all.
Take a Vacation
Yes, really. No matter how much you love your job, a vacation is essential for unwinding and refreshing.
Unplug From Your Devices
Make sure it’s a real vacation. Have you ever been on vacation only to be bothered by work emails or calls? Of course, you have. While digital devices have made it easier to connect with employees wherever and whenever, they’ve also helped ruin vacations from work. What seems like “a quick question” for them is a mood-spoiling interruption for you. Don’t fall into that trap. Insist on making your vacations real vacations, and that means uninterrupted ones. Set boundaries and stick to them.
Make Time for Family and Friends
Above all, you need to make sure you aren’t spending every waking moment with people who only care about you in a professional capacity. Use that capacity for setting boundaries and make concrete divisions between the time you spend at work and the time you spend with family and friends.
Heed these tips and recover your work-life balance.