Do the demands of your job make you too tired to do anything at the end of the day? Do you frequently come home in a bad mood and find it difficult to stop thinking about the stress of your day? Are your relationships suffering because of all this negativity around you? If so, you could be suffering from poor work-life balance.
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It's no secret that finding work-life balance in an age of constant connectivity can be difficult. But, studies show that not finding a balance between what you do in your free time and on the job can lead to significant health problems down the road. So, take some time now to master work-life balance — or at least make strides toward it — with these five easy tips to keep life in check.
Five ways to keep life in check
Set realistic goals.
Whether at home or at work, when you finish something on time, it creates a sense of accomplishment that carries into other aspects of life. Setting realistic goals helps avoid feeling burnt out or guilty that you didn’t get something done.
Learn to say no.
While it’s good to say yes to new opportunities, there is a time and a place to say no. Is there a meeting at work you don’t need to be a part of? Gracefully decline the invite, and be prepared to explain your reasoning. The same goes for your personal life. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, live by this simple rule: If you don’t want to go, and you can afford not to go, then don’t go. Taking time for yourself is essential to finding happiness in and out of the workplace. Know the amount of commitments you can handle, and confidently advocate for yourself.
Take small breaks.
Stepping away from a project is known to improve productivity. If you’re feeling drained, it can be difficult to create quality work. Taking short, five-minute breaks can improve your performance and help relieve stress.
Unplug.
If you find yourself constantly taking work home with you, try leaving your computer at work. This eliminates the urge to work from home. If that is not an option, talk to your boss about helping you prioritize your work load so you can leave your work at work. Does social media stress you out when you’re trying to unwind? Delete social media from your phone and see how you feel at the end of the week. Unplugging can be difficult and requires some adjustment, but it allows you to live life with less stress and fewer distractions.
Meditation is a must.
Meditation is one of the most powerful ways to naturally reduce anxiety and stress. Research suggests that regularly practicing focus and deep breathing techniques can drastically improve your mood, brain function and even help lower blood pressure. The longer the session the better, but five minutes is all you need to alleviate significant stress. Not comfortable meditating at your desk? Take a five-minute break somewhere private to practice deep breathing, center yourself and create a little more energy for the rest of the day.
Still need more tips and tricks to relieve stress and experience work-life balance? Check out more BlueSM articles!
