Work Life Balance

Having a good work life balance involves being able to manage your time evenly between work and activities outside of work. Outside of work activities can include hobbies, maintaining relationships, family responsibilities and any interests outside of work. Work life balance can be tricky to achieve and maintain – especially now with technology making emails and work more accessible, but also because of COVID-19 and people having to work from home. We are forced to bring our work home with us further blurring the line between home and work, making it harder to maintain a good work life balance.  It is important to try to achieve and maintain a good work life balance as it is crucial for both physical and mental health. Spending too much time at work, or doing too much work, can lead to increased stress levels, burnout, less productivity, and poorer mental health. 

Tips to improve work-life balance 

A Flexible work schedule: negotiating a flexible work schedule with your employer may help improve your work life balance and reduce the likelihood of becoming burnt-out. For example working from 10am-6pm instead of 9am-5pm means you could have more time to spend with the kids in the morning or means you get to skip a heap of traffic coming to and from work. 

Taking time off: Having a break from work can give you the chance to recharge your body and brain. Having a mini vacation or just time away from the office can increase productivity, boost your overall mood and reduce stress. 

Implement short breaks throughout the day: Make sure you have time away from your computer screen, go for a short walk to a coffee shop or make a tea and sit outside for 5 minutes while you drink it. 

Working from home: Try and set up your desk or office away from the area’s where you unwind and relax at home, for example try not to set up your desk in your bedroom. Your bedroom should be kept as a space where you unwind and relax before bed. 

Emails now have a “snooze” or similar button where you can choose times that your emails will switch off. This can help so your phone isn’t constantly buzzing afterhours sucking you back into work. 

Feel free to check out our other blog post on burnout for some tips on how to avoid it! If you’re wanting further support around work-life balance or you’re concerned about your mental health feel free to contact us on 8838-8687 or book an appointment online and come in to see one of our friendly Psychologists.