How to have a better work-life balance


Finding a balance between work and life can be quite tough, especially if you’re a career-driven person. Work can seem really important to the point where you start to neglect your family, friends, and even your own well-being. Anyone can tell you that such a life is not healthy. But how exactly do you find the sweet spot where you have enough time for your all-important job and for the other elements of life? Below are some tips to help you do just that.

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Play to your strengths

One of the major mistakes made by type A, super-successful people is that they try to do everything and say yes to every request. The simple truth is that no-one can do everything. So find out what you’re good at and stick to that. For example, if you are good with numbers and finances, then only take on roles related to that at work (obviously you can’t cut out whatever is in your job description, but this is related to extra tasks outside of that). You’ll find that you complete the tasks more efficiently and the tasks that aren’t your strength are completed efficiently by other people. Everyone is happier at the end of the day. This will also give you more time to see to family and other important aspects of life.

Invest in your workspace

This may sound unrelated, but it’s important that you have a good workflow in your workspace. Invest in stationery that can help you organize your space so that you work efficiently. Also, make sure to have a comfortable chair and desk so that you can work for long periods of time are not be sore and stiff afterward. All of these things will make your work easier so that you have more time for life activities and it lessens the physical impact work can have on your life.

Watch out for perfectionism

Many people suffer from the plight that is perfectionism. Perfectionism can cause you to obsess about one particular task for much longer than is necessary. It’s important to make sure that your work is of a good standard, but it may be unnecessary to harp on one particular feature. Set yourself a list of specifications that the task is to achieve and once you have ticked those off, consider the job complete. If there is one item on the list that you cannot seem to get right, then ask yourself if it is really necessary. Obsessing over small things steals time from your life and really doesn’t make that big of an impact at the end of the day. The brutal reality is that it’s a waste of your precious time.

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Set time out for unplugging

Designate sometime in the day for at least 30 minutes where you are away from all sources of technology, including your cell phone. Spend the time interacting with people or alone with a book. You can even take the time to meditate. Unplugging resets and keeps your mind time to reset and restore its balance.

Make small changes

If you find yourself in a situation where you feel that your life is out of balance and you know you need to make changes, then start small. Say you’re never home for dinner and decide if this is something you need to start addressing, start by committing to one night in the week and then slowly build up from there. This gives your life time to adjust and doesn’t overwhelm you.

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