How to create a healthy work-life balance

We often struggle with finding the perfect balance between work and life, because we fail to understand that work is a part of our life and not ‘our life’. The recent times have surely tested us in managing work and wellbeing. During the pandemic, a whole lot of our clients as well started prioritizing their physical and emotional health, because they realized one thing, that no matter what, ‘feeling good’ is vital for success.

We all let our work define us, and every other working professional has felt burnt out, exhausted, and agitated because the work just doesn’t seem to end. In fact, a whopping 94% of working professionals reported working more than 50 hours per week and nearly half said they worked more than 65 hours per week in a Harvard Business School survey. Experts do agree that the compounding stress from the never-ending workday is damaging. It can hurt relationships, health, and overall happiness.

So, there’s naturally a growing need for Work-Life Balance, which is an evolutionary process that is very individual in nature, yet essential for one and all. It’s also proven to reduce stress, increase productivity, foster harmony, and ensure optimal wellbeing.

Here is a practical guide for employees and employers to find just the right balance amidst the hustle –

Be Efficient with your time at work – When we procrastinate, the task often grows in our minds until it seems ‘too much to handle’. So, whenever you face a big task at work or home, break it down into smaller tasks and then accomplish them one by one based on what’s urgent and important. Another thing is to make to-do lists, and being realistic about your workloads and deadlines. The latest studies show that the more control we have over our work, the less stressed we get. Thus, celebrate these small victories of completing tasks by taking a five-minute break, or taking a walk to the coffee shop etc. If you feel overwhelmed, then it’s best to communicate with your boss and teammates.
Let Go Of Perfectionism – Being an overachiever can have its consequences, I remember being a perfectionist from a very young age, but I realized that with time your work and responsibilities mushroom and in that case perfectionism becomes out of reach. This habit, if left unchecked, can get destructive, so the key is to not strive for perfection but for excellence.
Unplug & Set Boundaries –Technology is contagious, it makes our work easier but also has the potential to burn us out due to overconsumption. There are times when you should simply shut your phone, go on a ‘digital detox’, and enjoy the moment. Another great way to set boundaries is saying ‘No’ when you are overloaded with commitments and giving yourself permission to pause.
Meditate & Exercise – It is recommended that you spend at least some amount of time staying active, exercising, and meditating which are proven stressbusters that uplift the mood and infuse you with energy, clarity, and peace of mind. Saying Yes to self-care is only a matter of managing your time well and showing up as the best version of yourself. Start small with a few minutes of breathwork if you must, but start nonetheless, make time in your schedule for such activities, it’s the best investment you’ll ever make.
Lastly, Give Yourself a Break – Recognize that getting used to stress will cause more harm than overcoming it. We all need downtime, and you shouldn’t be guilty about it. If you are persistently overwhelmed, then getting the right guidance will just do the trick. Know that Seeking help is not a sign of weakness – Taking care of yourself is a sign of strength.

It’s important to remember that “Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create”, and with the way working cultures are evolving, I hope more and more of us start to honour our energies to live happier, healthier, and more productive lives.

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