How To Cultivate Work-Life Balance
How To Cultivate Work-Life Balance
Why Cultivate Work-Life Balance
Before we learn how to cultivate work-life balance we first have to start with why.
I recently came across this video where Trevor Noah discusses his own work-life balance. He disclosed his reason for stepping away from his show to devote more time to water the relationships in his life.
This video is noteworthy because our barriers can get mixed up at times. We need to work to survive but sometimes this pushes our relationships with our family and friends to the backburner as well as any personal hobbies that make us happy. As a result we become unbalanced in various aspects of our lives which has a domino effect on other aspects of our lives.
“I needed to find a way to make time for everything else that’s happening in life. During the pandemic everyone talks about work-life balance. That creates the idea that your work and your life are two separate things. It’s a life-life balance. Your life doesn’t stop because you’re working or not working. Time is the one thing we cannot increase.”
Trevor Noah
Regardless of status or wealth, time is one commodity no one can reclaim.
The reason it is important to cultivate work-life balance is because we were not meant to live our lives to simply work or to be stressed out from working. There should be a balanced approach to work. Working allows us to provide for the needs of ourselves and our families, some wants, and helps us feel a sense of purpose.
Working has also been proven to slow cognitive decline in older individuals because of the mind being engaged. The term “work” can encompass different things. A retired elderly person for instance may not have a 9-5 job but they can work in a garden for example. Work carries different forms and it is engrained in our nature to work which is discussed in occupational science. We were never meant to work ourselves to death though.
In one of my favorite quotes from Matt Haig he said “we live in 24-hour societies but not 24-hour bodies.” It is unrealistic to be available 24/7. The ability of instant communication does not entitle one to the convenience of instant communication. Just because we have the technology to be able to communicate within seconds does not mean that it should be expected. At some point there will be a breaking point whether physically or psychologically and we need to address the root of the issue. Our bodies are not designed to indefinitely sustain the abuse it takes from overworking ourselves. Don’t wait until your body gets to the point of where it forces you to slow down, because by then it may be irreversible.
How To Cultivate Work-Life Balance
It is important to acknowledge that not everyone has the privilege to have a balanced work life. Everyone’s circumstances are different. Work-life balance looks different for everyone. However, if possible strive to incorporate these tips in your life. There is value in cultivating relationships and hobbies that add value to your life.
Prioritize Health
Caring for your physical and mental health through diet, exercise, and therapy will serve to benefit you now and in the future. You get one body and it has to carry you through the rest of your life. Take care of it and it will take care of you.
Spend Time With Loved Ones
Spending time with those who are important to you matters. Don’t let the last time you saw your loved ones be at their funeral.
“Dead people receive more flowers than the living because regret is stronger than gratitude.”
Anne Frank
Even if you cannot see them physically take advantage of phone calls and video chat methods.
Engage In Hobbies
Engaging in personal hobbies that make you happy helps the mind, body, and soul. You have a life outside of work and spending time on your hobbies can improve your mood.
Set & Execute Goals
Setting goals can also help you cultivate work-life balance. Goals can serve as a guide on how you want to live your life and also give you a metric to determine what you need to change in your life to meet those goals.
Learn How To Say “No”
Learn how to set boundaries and say “no” to things that do not add value to your life or that rob you of precious time. Setting boundaries is showing respect for yourself. Know that being busy does not equal being productive. And you do not have to be productive in every moment of your life to live a meaningful life. Know your limits to your time and don’t take on too much to avoid burnout. There is no harm in striving for a simple life.
Take Advantage Of Time Off
If you receive vacation time or paid time off from your job, use it. There is no need to feel guilty about not being available or taking time off because after all, you worked for it. Taking time off can allow you to decompress and even return back to work with a clean slate and in a more productive mindset.
Disconnect From Distractions
If you find it difficult to disconnect from work you might have to take additional measures to help you. Not keeping work emails on your phone can prevent you from working off the clock.
If you work from home, having a dedicated office space can help you separate your workspace from the rest of your living space.
There are also features on computers and mobile devices that allow you to set do not disturb schedules as well as time limits for app usage.
Technology has improved our lives dramatically but it can also be a distraction that requires balance.
Find A New Job
If your work-life balance is impacting your health you might need to make some serious changes. Something has to give. Searching for a new job might be beneficial if you are in a toxic work environment or if the company culture does not align with your values. Each company operates differently and some may allow you to have a flexible schedule. Your health is absolutely the most important thing and it should be your first priority.
Do yourself a favor and strive to maintain balance in all aspects of your life. Remember that life’s greatest investment is your health – both physical and mental.