Maintaining a balance between our personal life and full-time job is not as easy as it seems.
Let’s first understand what work-life balance really is. Work-life balance is the ratio of the time we spend working at our job to the time we spend doing the things that are important to us outside of work, such as spending time with our loved ones, engaging in our hobbies (reading,dancing, meditation, painting etc), going out, etc.
Our physical, mental, and emotional well- being can all be enhanced when we have a balance between our work and personal life.
Here are some techniques that you can lead you to maintain a better balance between work and other important parts of your life:
1- SPEND TIME WITH YOURSELF AND PRACTISE SELF-COMPASSION:
It is easy to get so caught up in the demands of work that you forget about your personal life, but it is extremely important to prioritise yourself and your interests too. It is important to take some time for yourself to cultivate self-awareness, as it can help us make better decisions and navigate challenges more effectively. Spending time alone,even for small periods, can be incredibly beneficial in this regard. When you engage in activities that you enjoy, it can improve your mood and boost your sense of fulfilment and satisfaction. If you like dancing, you can set aside some minutes in a day for it.
2- PRACTICE MINDFULNESS:
Including mindfulness practices in your daily routine can help you reduce stress, anxiety, can improve your mood, and increase your self-awareness. Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment. One way to practise mindfulness is through meditation. Sit quietly and focus your attention on your breath and body.
Deep breathing exercises are another effective way to practise mindfulness. By taking slow, deep breaths and focusing your attention on your breath, you can reduce feelings of anxiety or overwhelm and increase your sense of inner peace.
3- UNPLUG:
Sometimes when we should be spending time with our loved ones or focusing on our professional responsibilities, we end up giving that time to things that are not that important like scrolling through social media. To avoid burnout, it is a good idea to limit your use of technology after work. Take time away from business emails and messages during your time. To fully disconnect, try not to check your work email at home and only respond to urgent messages that require immediate attention. This break from constant connectivity can help us recharge and generate new ideas and perspectives.
When you are having lunch, keep your phone aside and indulge in eating mindfully. This will help you be in the present moment and disconnect from other things for some time.
4- COMMUNICATE CLEARLY:
It is very important to set boundaries at your workplace as well as your home. It is crucial that you communicate your preferred work hours and availability to avoid the temptation of checking your phone during vacations or after hours. By establishing clear limits, you can specify your work schedule and inform others about it, including when you will be available and when you will not be able to respond. Setting clear boundaries are just as important in our personal lives as it is in our professional lives. Communicating clearly with family and friends about your responsibilities and availability can help maintain healthy relationships and reduce misunderstandings. It is important to establish mutual respect and understanding to ensure that everyone’s needs are being met.
5- PAUSE AND REFLECT:
Have you ever taken a moment to reflect on how all the aspect of your life are influencing one another? Do you have time to do the things you want to do? It is important to consider your present work-life balance and check if you are investing enough time and energy in the people and things that are important to you. It is also important to assess whether your personal and professional goals are still aligned with your values and aspirations. Take some time to reflect and make necessary adjustments to ensure you are living a fulfilling and balanced life. Writing down your thoughts and emotions in a journal can be a helpful tool to work through personal questions and gain insight into your circumstances. By addressing these challenging questions, you can determine what areas of your life require the most attention.
6- START SMALL:
Incorporating healthier habits into our daily routine can have a significant positive impact on our overall well-being. It is not always easy to establish these habits, but taking small and manageable steps can make a big difference. By making these easy and convenient changes, we are more likely to stick with them even on days when we are busy or feeling unwell. Find one habit that will lead to a healthier life and then take small steps towards it. You are including meditation in your routine; you can start with 5-10 minutes per day or alternate days. This will help you to develop the habit of meditating daily even if it is for a short time and slowly you can increase the time.
7 – ASK FOR HELP:
Balancing work and personal life can be challenging, it is okay to seek support if you are struggling. Talking to a mental health professional about your struggles can help you gain a fresh perspective on the situation and come up with effective solutions. It is essential to recognize when you need help and take steps to address the issue. If you want to seek professional help, feel free to reach out to our psychologists.