Balance, that’s an interesting word! One I obviously relate to as my blog is called My Balancing Act. But what does it mean? How do we achieve a work-life balance in our lives and what should this look like? 

The actual word “balance” would suggest that there are opposing forces in play, each trying to pull in opposite directions. In this case, those forces are your work life and your home life. The problem occurs when you don’t know what you’re seeking to accomplish, both in your personal and professional life. It’s far too easy to sink to the level of overworking and soon enough, you might even start to struggle with seeing beyond your work. 

If this happens it can be an indication that you need to consciously decide how you want to spend your life with the limited amount of time you have. The challenge is to strike a balance between what will make you feel productive at work and what will enrich your personal experience in life. That’s where I am here to help! 

Why do you need to have a good work-life balance?

Having a good work-life balance will enable you to not only be more productive in the long run but more healthy too and less likely to experience burnout. Other benefits include: 

• Having more control over your life
• Feeling a sense of accomplishment/fulfillment
• Maximising output in every area of your life
• Improving your productivity
• Tackling conflicts with ease
• Maintaining healthy relationships
• Organising your life around the more meaningful things

So, how do you achieve a work-life balance?

In case you are close to burnout and are looking to achieve a better and healthier work-life balance, there are a number of things to consider and act on.

Here are my 3 top tips that you can follow on your journey to find that balance!

1. Assess your current situation

First of all, you should look at the whole range of activities that currently fill up your life. Some of them may slowly be burning you out, without you even realising it. 

Make a list of your current frequent activities and map out how they make you feel, in order to have an idea of exactly where you are, mentally. The first step to take towards a healthy work-life balance is to actually acknowledge everything you’re doing and how those things are making you feel. 

2. Set boundaries

If you’ve come to realise that you are not in an ideally balanced state and you’re finding things tough, it’s time to set some boundaries.

In this day and age where many people work from their laptops, this becomes even more relevant. If that is the case for you, try and make self-agreements, such as:

“I will stop working at 5.30 pm”

and…

“I will only work as much as I need to today”

and…

“I will regularly take breaks throughout my workday”

Nevertheless, you have to acknowledge that there will be exceptions even to those self-agreements, so be prepared for them mentally.

Remember, also to ask for help if you need it. Whether that’s from a colleague, your manager, your partner, or friends and family – even your kids, don’t try and do it all by yourself. Maybe you need support with childcare, or can a cleaner coming 2 hours a week how you keep on top of things? Look to where you can ease the pressure.

3. Let go and take time for yourself

A big part of the disbalance comes from the fact that even after we’re done working and have left the office (or closed the laptop), the stress from work lingers on in our heads. For this reason, it is very important to recognise those moments and thoughts and let go of them until it’s time to be mentally involved with work again. I know that’s easier said than done but check out my suggestions in the infographic below on how to shut down for the day.

 

Additionally, you should take some time each day to consider how you are feeling right now to try and achieve that balance internally.

Remember that it all starts on the inside!

Reminder and final thoughts

Last but not least, keep reminding yourself that you don’t live to work, you work so that you can live. 

“Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them – work, family, health, friends, and spirit and you’re keeping all of these in the air. You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged, or even shattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for balance in your life.”

Former Vice Chairman and COO of Coca-Cola, Brain Dyson

If this quote hits home then set your priorities right and always remember what it is you are working and striving for! Share your top tips on how to achieve a good work-life balance in the comments below.