For many people, working full time is a necessity. Those who work long hours may find it difficult to relax and unwind. However, you need to make work/life balance a priority and take concrete steps to make it happen.
Schedule Time to Relax
In a hectic life with work and family commitments, it can be tough to find time for yourself. Make time. Schedule time to do something that you enjoy, just like you schedule every other activity in your life. If you can’t stick to your plans for some reason, find another time to do something to help you unwind.
Exercise can help relieve the stress of dealing with work and other responsibilities. Pick an activity you enjoy and find a time to do it that works for you. The most important thing is to make it a priority and do it.
Weekends and vacations should be time to relax. Avoid checking your email and working on assignments whenever possible. If you must check your messages, choose specific times to do so, then put your phone aside and have fun.
Spend Time With Loved Ones
Having a strong support network can make stress more manageable. Talk to your family and friends on a regular basis about any challenges you’re facing, what stresses you out and how you’re coping. Your loved ones may be able to offer suggestions and tell you what has worked for them.
Make family time a priority. If your children participate in sports or performing arts, make an effort to attend as many games and performances as possible. If you know that an event is coming up, get as much as possible done at work in advance so you’ll be able to enjoy yourself and not be stressed about assignments.
Ask for Help
Delegate tasks when possible. If you have a spouse and/or children, they can help out at home. Have family members help with cooking and cleaning and show your children how to do their own laundry. This teaches responsibility and lightens the burden so you can be more relaxed when you’re at home.
Communicate with your family and boss about your level of stress. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need your family to pitch in more, tell them. If you’re finding your long hours and commute exhausting, ask your boss if you can work from home once or twice a week. Others may be happy to adjust if you simply ask.
Prioritize Work/Life Balance
With the amount of stress in modern life, maintaining a healthy work/life balance is essential. Taking some time to stop thinking about work, relax with your loved ones and do things you enjoy can help you recharge so you can be more productive at your job and more engaged with your family and friends. Make work/life balance a goal and start making changes to achieve it.
