If you feel like work is taking over your life, you’re not alone. In fact, studies show that over 60% of employees in the United States feel like their work-life balance is out of alignment. But when responsibilities at home and at work start to feel overwhelming, how can you ensure you’re doing your best in all the different areas of your life?
Balancing the demands of work and outside-of-work priorities is no small task – but it is certainly an important one. Holistic wellness requires caring for all different aspects of yourself and finding fulfillment in a variety of areas, including (but not limited to!) work. As you strive to achieve holistic wellness and better your mental health, it’s important to devote time to your priorities outside of the office as well, dedicating time and space to social, intellectual, physical, and spiritual pursuits… just to name a few.
Even as we recognize the importance of maintaining a strong work-life balance, however, this feat can be difficult to achieve. Today, we’re going to dive deeper into why a healthy work-life balance is important and cover some tips to help you juggle the competing priorities of life in the 21st century. Let’s get started!
What Is Work-Life Balance?
Fostering a healthy work-life balance means that you have created a harmonious relationship between your personal life and the responsibilities of your career. It involves being conscious about managing your time and meeting the criteria of your work commitments while also making time to prioritize your mental wellness and devoting space for self-care.
Forgoing work-life balance can lead to ailments like burnout or poor mental health. In fact, workplace stressors and poor workplace conditions commonly exacerbate existing mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. For those who work second or third shift, sleep disorders are also a common side effect of a demanding work environment.
Not sure if you have achieved balance between your career and personal commitments? Here are some characteristics of a healthy work-life balance:
Setting boundaries: This could look like establishing clear working and personal hours or separating work-related tasks from personal commitments and activities.
Stress management: This could look like understanding and implementing strategies to reduce work-related stress, such as taking regular breaks, engaging in physical activity like walking, or unplugging from work when needed.
Time management: Being able to work productively and efficiently when you are in work mode makes it easier to complete your tasks and time and be able to give your mental energy to personal commitments when you are not working.
Flexibility: When you have a healthy work-life balance, unexpected curve balls, deadlines, or events do not derail your personal life or career. You’re able to manage these hurdles by adapting and adjusting smoothly.
Why Is Work-Life Balance Important?
Those who struggle to achieve a work-life balance or have difficulty practicing self care often find themselves at higher risk of burnout or other negative behavioral health consequences. Signs of an unhealthy work-life balance include…
Constantly working long hours, perhaps even on weekends or holidays
Forgoing personal commitments for work on a regular basis
Neglecting your personal life, including relationships, exercise, or hobbies
Experiencing burnout, which can look like mental or physical exhaustion and stress
Struggling to maintain healthy romantic, platonic, or familial relationships
Failing to prioritize self-care activities like sleep, exercise, and leisure time
If you’re struggling to find that sustainable, healthy work-life balance that you have been looking for, check out these tips from the team of behavioral health providers at Triumph…
How to Improve Your Work-Life Balance
Here are five of our team’s top tips to foster a better sense of harmony between your work commitments and your personal commitments.
#1: Embrace Your Calendar
Many professionals already use calendar apps to keep track of daily responsibilities and meetings – but you can also schedule personal time, activities, or even outdoor walks and breaks into your calendar. Doing so can help you feel like you’re still “staying on track” and checking off items on your to-do list while engaging in activities that benefit your overall health.
#2: Set Defined Work Hours
You might have heard the saying that “work expands to fill the time allotted.” When you give yourself a definitive end time for your daily work, you’re actually more likely to be productive during the day! Plus, this can help you keep your work and home life separate by drawing a clear line between the two mentally and on the clock.
#3: Establish Dedicated Working Space
If you go into the office or work in a physical location, you’re already doing this – but in the era of working from home, separating your career and your personal life is more difficult. If you work from home, setting up an at-home office or dedicated workspace can be beneficial and will help you compartmentalize work so that you’re not feeling like you’re always on the clock when you’re trying to simply relax at home.
#4: Take Advantage of Technology
In our modern world, there are plenty of technological solutions that can help you stay focused during the work day so that you can leave work behind after hours. For instance, you might try setting up a website blocker to keep you off distracting sites (like online shopping or social media) during the work day. There are also apps for smartphones that can help, like focus timers or meditation apps to use to clear your head during breaks.
#5: Take Time Off
Taking time away from work – including personal time, sick days, and vacation days – is an important part of maintaining work-life balance. Stepping away from your work and coming back fresh can help boost your productivity and ultimately make you enjoy your work more. Plus, you’ll have time specifically dedicated to personal pursuits!
Need Support? Work With a Behavioral Health Professional
If you’re struggling to maintain a healthy work-life balance or feel that your mental health is suffering due to your work commitments, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of the best therapists in Maryland. Our licensed nurse practitioner therapists will work with you to better understand your unique situation, and we’ll create an individualized treatment plan (which might include med management or explore the benefits of psychotherapy) to help you achieve the behavioral health you have been searching for.
What are you waiting for? Your journey to better holistic health can start today, at our Maryland wellness center. Reach out to our team now to get started. At Triumph, we care.