Work-life balance is a struggle for nearly everyone. How do you dedicate yourself to your job while simultaneously caring for your family, having a social life, getting enough sleep, and making sure you eat well? There is no magic button, but following a few simple tips can help you lead a more balanced and more fulfilling life.
Schedule Everything
If it’s not on your schedule, it won’t get done. So don’t just block out time for work meetings. Sit down with your calendar each week and block out time for dinner with a friend, Netflix with your family, or a trip to the gym.
Be Selfish
A lot of people are reluctant to practice self-care because they see it as selfish. If you feel this way, then decide to be selfish! Make sure your weekly schedule includes some “me time.” Give yourself a one or two-hour block as many days of the week as possible to just do something that makes you happy. You don’t have to pick your activities in advance, just schedule some time to focus on you. Remember that you have to put on your own oxygen mask first, in order to be any good to anyone else.
Balance Work
You’ll never have work-life balance if your work life isn’t balanced. Create reasons that you need to leave on time, such as a class or a book club right after work. With the end of your workday already set, take a few minutes in the morning to organize the work hours you do have. Prioritize your tasks, and block out the last 20 to 30 minutes of your day to wrap up loose ends. Let everyone know what time you have to leave so you won’t be bombarded on your way out the door.
Manage Your Chores
Take a hard look at the things you have to get done each week to keep your household running. Then find ways to become more efficient at them. For example, you might do your most hated chore at the beginning of the week. Or decide that every weeknight dinner will take 30 minutes or less to prepare, and then get creative about finding recipes to make that a reality.
Enjoy Your Time Off
Many people forget to enjoy the weekend or spend their entire vacation worrying about work. Meet with your boss to set boundaries on your time off. Maybe you can check in with the office just once during your vacation or turn off your phone over the weekend.
Looking for a New Position?
If you’re ready for a new job in North Carolina, let The Resource put our 40 years of experience to work for you. From discovering who you truly are via our CORE assessment through the entire hiring process, we’re here to help you find and land just the right position. Apply online or call your local office to get started.