Finding and Maintaining a Healthy Work/Personal Life Balance

We live in a world in which the pace seems to be ever-quickening and there seem not to be enough hours in a day to accomplish all that we must. In particular, those in supervisory, management, and executive positions appear to suffer the most – they are never finished with their task responsibilities, even as they work longer hours, and take work home at night and on the weekends. 

Even worse, there are many who work from home and find it difficult to “call it a day” even after 10-12 hours. 

Much of this we can blame on technology, of course, because we are far more available for our personal lives to be interrupted by emails and messages from colleagues at all hours of the day and night, and it is too easy for us to perform work at home via our devices. 

If you have become a prisoner to your work, then your personal life is obviously being neglected. The result over time can be burnout, lack of productivity, and a general decrease in mental health and fitness. 

In this article, you will find 9 tips and strategies that will help you regain the important balance between your work and personal lives. Consider it a guide to becoming a happier and healthier you.

Finding and Maintaining a Healthy Work/Personal Life Balance 

Achieving That Healthy Balance of Work and Personal Life

The first step in this process is the recognition that there is a problem. Some people go years in denial until they find themselves in social isolation and suffering from many of the physical and mental consequences of being a workaholic. Before that happens, consider as many of these tips and strategies to find and maintain the right balance. 

Learn and Practice Time Management

There are a couple of aspects to this. First, you must organize and prioritize your tasks from most to least important. Begin at the top and do not move down until that one is completed.

Second, track your work productivity throughout your day. When do you seem to get the most done and when do you not? Everyone has segments of their days when they are more productive.

There are even some tracking tools that will help you discover. Once you know when your most productive periods are, you can tackle the tough tasks during those times.

Force Yourself to Set Boundaries

If you work in an office situation, set short times during the day when you are unavailable to others. It may mean that you take a short walk outside or close your office door while you have a short period of meditation and calm. Studies show that these “mini-breaks” increase your attention-span when you do return to your tasks.

And when you leave the office for good, you have come into your own personal time. Do not let emails and texts interrupt time with your family or 

If you work remotely, this can be more difficult, because your work and personal space are often blurred, as is your time. You need a separate workspace, preferably an office with a door. When your workday is over, it’s over. Close the door and begin your personal life with family, out with friends, or on a date. 

Is this 100% possible all of the time? No. There will be emergencies; there will be deadlines that must be met. But as much as possible, try to keep your boundaries.

Learn to Say No and to Delegate

Overcommitment in your work life leads to longer hours, more stress, and ultimately, less productivity. If you are overloaded with current projects or tasks, and your boss asks for more of you, you must be calm and assertive as you explain that you simply cannot take on an additional task responsibility until you complete one that you have prioritized at this time.

One solution is for that boss to agree to allow you to employ additional team members. And all of this brings up the next point.

As much as you want to be in control of all that happens within your realm of responsibility, you must learn to delegate. There are all sorts of project management programs that will let you turn tasks over to your team and monitor completion. Find one that works for you, and force yourself to turn over tasks. They will appreciate your trust in them.

Also Read: Empowering Growth: How Personal Development Practices Enhance Education

Get Physical

You must set aside time for physical activity. Join a gym; take a fitness class. If you have a set time for physical activity three times a week, and you stay true to that schedule, you’ll see that your productivity actually increases. You will feel more energized.

Get Social

If you have a family, then schedule regular activities together. And you and your spouse should have regular outings with friends or as a couple. This quality time serves to re-energize you mentally and allows your mood to impact your work.

If you are single, then be sure to keep up friendships and get together with them at least once a week. If you are lacking romance in your life, go to Hily.com, one of the largest online dating sites in the world.

Meet other singles who share your interests, have some dates, and maybe find “the one” for a long-term relationship. Finding and nurturing a romantic relationship is one of the best mood boosters you can have. And when you are romantically involved with someone, you will definitely leave your mental and physical workplace aside on a regular basis.

Use All of Your Vacation Time

One suggestion here is to take shorter vacations throughout the year rather than a long one once a year. More frequent total breaks from work serve to re-energize you and increase your productivity when you return.

Take Breaks from Your Screens

Even when we are not working, we are still quite attached to our devices – our phone, our tablet, our TV, our laptop. But here is a news flash. The Earth will still rotate on its axis and revolve around the Sun if we turn off everything, get outside, read a book, take a walk, or just sit and enjoy the silence while we meditate and think of all the things in our lives for which we are grateful.

Do this on a regular basis, especially 30 minutes before going to sleep at night. Studies show you will sleep better and wake with more energy to greet a busy day.

Pursue an Interest or Hobby

Have you always wanted to learn how to paint or to study gourmet cooking? Have you always wanted to learn to ski or scuba dive? Sign up for lessons and go after your dream. If you have scheduled lessons, you are forced to leave your work life behind.

Are You Ready to Balance Your Life?

Now you see that you have many options to improve the balance between your work and personal lives. If you realize that you are having a difficult time achieving the right balance, these nine strategies should help you get to that balance if you are committed.

The key really is the commitment. You have to force yourself to do those things that will allow you to have a personal life and to make you a happier, healthier person. When you are able to commit to a personal life, you will find that your work life becomes more productive too. Do not leave this life regretting the things you did not do.