Improving Work-Life Balance

A balanced lifestyle allows for separation between work tasks and priorities outside of work. Trying to meet unrealistic demands or finding yourself in situations that make it feel as if all control is gone pose a threat to a healthy work-life balance. How you spend your time—and where—will look different for everyone. However, there are ways you can improve your work-life balance regardless of your age, your financial situation, or your family status.

Find a Routine

Stress can be triggered by work demands, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity. Establishing a daily routine that meets all of your “me” needs can both lower stress and improve your sense of well-being. During physical activity, serotonin is released by your brain. Triggering endorphins fosters relaxation and provides distractions from daily worries, while sedentary lifestyles are linked to mood disorders like anxiety and depression. To perform well, your body has to be fueled well. Proper nutrition is linked to higher energy levels and concentration. Eating well ensures your body receives the nutrients needed for growth and repair, can help prevent nutrition-related illnesses, and help you maintain a healthy body weight. Lack of sleep not only makes one feel tired, but creativity suffers and it is difficult to focus on tasks. Quality sleep, on a regular basis, leads to improved brain performance, mood, and health. Sleep deprivation can raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, obesity, and dementia. Sleep is as important as nutrition and physical activity. While there is no magic number of hours one can devote to a job and achieve a perfect blend of time for both home and work, productivity suffers as hours increase. Therefore, it is important to prioritize health, unplug regularly, and to set boundaries around your working hours.

Debt Management & Mindful Spending

Money worries can keep you up at night. Worrying about finances affects your productivity and your health as employees who are financially stressed are not able to perform their best.  Employees with financial burdens have higher absentee rates, spend time thinking about money while on the job, and are more likely to have troubled relationships with coworkers. Being mindful of spending habits can make you more aware of your money. Tracking spending, using cash, and setting savings goals are all personal finance practices that can help you live within your means. By seeking opportunities to learn about personal finance, you can better manage your debt which can then help you meet financial goals, establish an emergency fund, and plan for retirement.

Meaningful Family Time

Decisions you make at work should be based on the effect they will have on your home life. Strong relationships with family and loved ones is built on spending time together. You can be both successful in your career and ensure your personal life is fulfilled by making time for yourself and your family a priority. Pay attention in your current situation. It is not uncommon to focus on things going on in your mind; however, living in the moment can produce a different self-reaction and foster more thoughtfulness. When the human brain is given space to think, you can make better, more informed decisions.

Be intentional in making time for self-care, in managing money, and in spending time with family and friends. Harmony in your work-life balance will benefit you and those around you.