Originally authored by April Klimkiewicz at Bliss Evolution
We’ve heard again and again how important it is to create and maintain a healthy work-life balance, but how do we put that into action when we feel like we’re being pulled in every direction?
I’ve compiled a few of my top work-life balance tips to help get you thinking about work-life balance in a new way and incorporating more of it into your life. Read on for the how-tos!
1. Determine what’s important to you, and in what order
Yes, values are key. If you don’t know, first, what your top values are, and second, in what order they are of importance to you, then you will struggle with creating healthy work-life balance. Family is important, but so often, that doesn’t stop us from skipping out on a child’s recital in favor of work. It’s easier to put your time where it matters when you know what matters most and in what order.
2. Say “yes” to more than just work
Saying yes to yourself, your family and your friends are as important, if not more important than saying yes to work. So often, we immediately say “yes” to work or our boss when something is asked of us. Then, we’re too burnt out to say “yes” to a family when we get home late and tired. It’s okay to say “yes” to work and stay late at times; equally important is balancing that with saying “yes” to leaving early on Friday to get ready for date night because you worked hard all week. Think about these questions:
+ What percentage of time does work get a yes?
+ What percentage of time do those I love get a yes?
+ Does this need to change?
3. Explore your feelings of “not enough”
Many people tie their identity not only to their job title but to the amount of work that they do. We are so busy in our society, but that feeling of always being busy is somewhat of a status symbol. People don’t brag about staying in and lying around on the couch, but they do brag about how long they work. Recognize your feelings of “not enough” when it comes to clocking out on time, and do your best to tie your work to the quality of your work and the quality of your relationships.
4. Get your work and personal/family calendars organized to prevent conflict
Make sure you use your work calendar to keep things organized. If you have a personal or family event, block the time on your work calendar and mark it as personal. That way, your supervisor or co-workers will know in advance when you are unavailable.
Additionally, help prevent last-minute scheduling conflicts by creating a personal or family calendar and making sure your work events that conflict with personal or family time is on there.
This way, if work asks you to come in a certain weekend, you’ll be able to decline and let them know you have a scheduling conflict right away rather than saying yes and having to go back on what you said because of a prior obligation. Additionally, you won't end up disappointing someone important to you because you have to cancel last minute. You’ll avoid making promises to your significant other or family that you won’t be able to keep due to work conflicts.
With these tips, you will be able to maintain a healthier work-life balance and add create more space in your life for the important things.