Dear Yaatri Family! Feeling burnt out? Juggling work deadlines with family commitments and personal goals? Been. There. Done. That.
There was a time when my life was a messy pendulum swinging wildly between neglecting my personal life for the sake of my career and then neglecting my career for the sake of personal pursuits. The consequences? Not pretty. Thyroid issues. Unwanted weight gain. And worst of all, a deep pit of depression.
Working in business development, I had a “successful” career on paper. I’d grown so much since leaving home, but when the COVID-19 storm hit, reality struck. Stuck alone in a bustling city, the yearning to be with my family back home was immense. Yet, the fear of losing my job (grateful for the amazing company that stood strong during those layoffs!) held me back.
My crucial mistake? I wasn’t focusing on holistic growth. My personal and professional lives were separate baskets, never quite overflowing with the good stuff. It took time, a lot of time, to shift my perspective and embrace a life brimming with work-life balance. I eventually moved home for some time as my health deteriorated and learned the real value of support.
The Importance of Work-Life Balance for Employees and Businesses
Work-life balance isn’t just a buzzword for HR meeting rooms and family gatherings. It’s a win-win for both employees and businesses alike. Hubstaff defines Work-life balance as the amount of time you spend working compared to the time you spend pursuing things outside of work, measured in hours, enjoyment, or mental energy.
A well-balanced person is:
- More productive and engaged: Studies show a direct link between work-life balance and productivity. When we’re rested and fulfilled outside of work, we bring a sharper focus and increased energy to our professional roles.
- Happier and healthier: Chronic stress can wreak havoc on our physical and mental well-being. Work-life balance helps us manage stress, leading to better overall health and happiness.
- Less prone to burnout: Feeling constantly overwhelmed is a recipe for burnout. Work-life balance helps us avoid this energy-zapping state, allowing us to maintain our long-term career momentum.
- More present: When we compartmentalize our lives, we’re less present in each moment. Work-life balance encourages us to be fully present at work and during personal time, cultivating deeper connections and experiences.
Why Organizations want work-life balance for their employees
- Improved Employee Morale and Satisfaction: A balanced workforce is happier and more engaged, leading to increased job satisfaction and loyalty.
- Enhanced Productivity: Happy and rested employees are more productive, creative, and focused.
- Reduced Absenteeism and Turnover: Work-life balance helps prevent burnout, reducing sick days and employee turnover.
- Stronger Employer Brand: Companies that prioritize work-life balance attract and retain top talent, enhancing their reputation as an employer of choice.
- Better Mental and Physical Health: A balanced lifestyle reduces stress, improves overall well-being, and minimizes health issues.
- Increased Innovation and Creativity: A clear mind and reduced stress levels foster creativity and innovative thinking.
What Work-Life Balance Means for someone with a demanding Job
My dear lovely reader,
Having a balanced life isn’t a rigid 50/50 split. It’s a dynamic dance that ebbs and flows depending on life’s seasons. I followed some of the tips listed below to maintain a holistic lifestyle and it has helped me a lot.
How You Can Maintain Work-Life Balance
- Setting healthy boundaries: Honestly, it might be difficult to establish clear work hours. If you can, please do it. In a lot of customer-facing roles, it is a major challenge. Setting boundaries can however help to make life simpler. Think where all you can and stick to them as much as possible.
- Prioritizing self-care: Make time for activities that nourish the mind, body, and soul – whether it’s meditation, a quick yoga session, or simply enjoying a good book. Daily movement is a must!
- Saying “no” when needed: Only take projects you can manage, If you cannot, recommend alternate solutions.
- Embracing flexibility: Life throws curveballs. A well-balanced person is adaptable, adjusting schedules and routines when needed without sacrificing overall well-being.
- Identify your needs and values: What brings you joy and fulfillment? Are there some projects (either at work or not) you will enjoy personally- if you have some spare time, why not try them too? Prioritize activities that align with your values, always.
- Communicate and delegate: Let your colleagues and manager know your boundaries. Delegate tasks where possible to free up your time. ️
- Schedule time for yourself: Treat appointments for self-care just as you would any other meeting. Block out time on your calendar for activities that recharge you. ️I met a leader once who ensured he went out for evening tea with colleagues despite his extremely busy schedule. This helped him and his team relax as well as build lasting connections.
- Learn to unplug: Disconnect from work emails and notifications outside of work hours if possible in your line of work. If not, allow yourself to truly be present in your personal life, especially the most important moments.
- Embrace imperfection: Life is messy. There will be days when you cannot do it all. It is ok.
What Work-Life Balance Is Not
Here are some common misconceptions about work-life balance:
- Laziness: Balance doesn’t mean slacking off at work or neglecting responsibilities. It’s about working efficiently and making time for what truly matters.
- A One-Size-Fits-All Solution: There’s no magic formula. What works for me might not work for you. Experiment and find what creates a sense of balance in your own life.
- An End-Goal: Work-life balance is a continuous journey, not a destination. It requires constant attention and adjustment as your life and priorities evolve.
Remember, personal and professional are both part of your own life. By understanding what matters and when, you can achieve your unique formula for a holistic well-balanced life. In the end, in the journey of life, it matters what you do with your whole day.
For further reading, check out these resources:
Still struggling and want to discover a unique recipe for a holistic you? Reach out to me. Share your struggles and your thoughts as Reply below.
Leave a Reply