With busy family schedules and a never-ending list of to-dos at work, does the concept of work-life balance seem like a myth? If so, you’re not alone. According to a study published by the American Sociology Review, 70 percent of American workers struggle to find an acceptable balance between work and family life.
There are numerous benefits of achieving work-life balance like leading a healthier, happier life, having less stress and feeling more engaged and achieving higher rates of productivity at work. Studies have also found working long hours – especially stressful ones – has adverse health effects on employees, including a higher risk for coronary heart disease. When it comes to finding this kind of harmony, here are a few tips that can help you get there quickly:
- Learn When to Say ‘No’
Fight the guilt of trying to be a “super woman” or “super man.” These personas are not realistic to life and it’s important to know when you’ve reached your limit. Learn that it’s okay to say no to that PTA meeting when you know the work week ahead of you will be long. Or, leave that low-priority task until Monday when you’re trying to make it to the weekend getaway you’ve had planned for weeks.
- Be a Planner
Don’t just wait and see what time is leftover after you’ve completed all your work. Instead, make it a point to plan time with your friends, loved ones and even yourself. Sure, going with the flow has its advantages, but making the effort to carve out time for relaxation and the important people in your life is valuable too. It’s those relationships that will get you through rough days.
Knowing when you’ve reached your limit and when it’s time to take on more comes with experience, but can only be achieved if you take the time to evaluate your stress levels and what’s realistic in your life. Test out these tips to obtain harmony in your life by reaching peak productivity levels at work and enjoy your time outside of the office, as well!
