Having a work-life balance is important for your overall health and well-being. However, so many people do not know how to switch off and leave work at work.
Whether you enjoy your job or not, it can be stressful and consume your life. After all, we depend on our jobs to pay the bills, buy food and create a comfortable living environment.
Stress can have an adverse effect not just on your health but also on your mood. Common effects include:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Under-eating
- Over-eating
- Smoking excessively
- Increased alcohol intake
Many people will work longer hours or bring work home to get things done. However, doing this regularly will burn you out, leaving you feeling mentally and physically exhausted. It is essentially stealing your personal time and the time you have with family and friends.
Setting boundaries and disconnecting from work is crucial for maintaining your mental, emotional, and physical health. So, here are five tips you can implement for a better work-life balance.
Set Boundaries
Set simple yet effective boundaries, such as not checking your work email or phone outside of work hours, not taking work home, and not working longer than your contracted hours. Establish a set routine for both your working hours and personal hours. Be strict with your personal time and allow yourself to recharge fully.
Write a To-Do List Before You Leave
Before you leave work for the day, write a to-do list of what you need to do the next day. This will give you a sense of closure at the end of the day and help you feel prepared. When you get home, there's no need to worry about what you need to do at work, because you already have a plan.
Use Your Commute
Use the time you have on the way back from work to process your day. Acknowledge the positives from your working day and get into the mindset that what's done is done. You have your to-do list ready at work, and even if any tasks were left incomplete, you know that you can pick them up tomorrow.
Also, if you live close to your workplace, you can use your commute to get some exercise. Rather than driving or using public transportation, why not walk or cycle to work? A study by the University of East Anglia (UEA) found that individuals who had an active commute experienced a higher level of well-being compared to those who travelled by car or public transport.
Get Changed
As soon as you get home, change out of your work clothes to make the transition from work mode to chill mode. Staying in your work clothes longer than necessary won’t help you switch off. Once you're in your comfy clothes, you can relax, unwind, and forget about work.
Utilise the Time at Work Properly
Maximise your productivity at work by allocating your tasks in order of priority. To get your job done by finishing time, you need to limit things like taking long lunches or talking to colleagues for too long. If you continue to struggle with completing essential tasks on time, consider discussing your workload with your employer.
Implement these tips for a better work-life balance and be firm with yourself. Remember, your aim should be to work smarter, not longer. Going home without the nagging thoughts of work in your head will help you manage your stress levels.
Remember: You can always get in touch with your doctor if you are really struggling to manage your stress levels. They can offer you practical and personal advice on managing stress.
