In search of the elusive Work-Life balance

Let us be honest from the start: We live in a fast-paced and demanding time, with work happening more and more often outside of the office, it’s not easy to unplug and unwind, even mentally.

For many, working from home has become the new normal. It's more and more difficult to separate work from our personal lives, and more commonplace to check emails or work group messages at all hours, or take business calls at the dinner table and work on our laptops on weekends.

Employers expect more from their people, which leads people to feel more pressure to achieve greater results. These pressures appear to have reached a breaking point, and the effects of burnout are very real and are impacting organizations across industries on a daily basis, reducing employee productivity, engagement, and retention.

But what does a healthy Work–Life balance mean?

Work-life balance is a term that refers to the equilibrium between the time and energy that a person dedicates to their work and personal life.

Achieving a healthy Work-Life balance can be a challenging task, however, maintaining that balance is essential for many reasons:

• First, it can help reduce stress and improve overall mental health. A study conducted by the American Psychological Association found that work-related stress could lead to physical and emotional health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and heart disease.

By taking time away from work and focusing on other areas of life, you can recharge and reduce your stress levels.

• Second, a healthy Work-Life balance can also help improve relationships with family and friends. When work becomes the sole focus, personal relationships suffer. Spending time with your loved ones and engaging in leisure activities can help maintain a healthy perspective and foster deeper connections with others.

• Finally, a healthy Work-Life balance can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction. When you take time to recharge and engage in activities outside of work, you return to work with renewed energy and focus. This leads to increased creativity, productivity, and job satisfaction.

And how do we achieve this mysterious Work-Life Balance?

Achieving a healthy Work-Life balance requires intentional effort and a willingness to prioritize activities outside of work. Here are some strategies:

1. Set boundaries:

Set clear boundaries between work and personal time. Turn off work-related notifications during personal time, and resist the temptation to check emails or work-related messages during off-hours.

2. Plan ahead:

Plan personal activities and events in advance and commit to them. Make personal time a priority and schedule it as you would any other important commitment.

3. Delegate:

If possible, delegate tasks at work and enlist the help of family and friends in personal activities. Sharing responsibilities can help to reduce stress and free up time for other activities.

4. Prioritize self-care:

Make time for exercise, healthy eating, and other self-care activities. These activities can help reduce stress and improve overall health and well-being.

5. Learn to say NO:

It's okay to say NO to work-related activities that interfere with personal time.

It's important to remember that a healthy Work-Life balance looks different for everyone, and it may require some trial and error to find the right balance for YOU.

By making a commitment to prioritize personal time and maintain a healthy balance, you can enjoy a more healthy, fulfilling and joyful life.