Perhaps you just landed a new gig working for Black Tie Moving or recently graduated law school. Either way, you need to make sure work doesn’t consume your entire life. After all, life seems to move a lot faster than we even realize.
Here are 4 ways to have a healthy work/life balance!
Use Your PTO
As humans, we weren’t designed to stare at a computer screen for 40 hours out of our week. This is why it’s imperative that you allow yourself time off. Work can always wait, and you need to put yourself first.
It’s a good rule of thumb to schedule some time off at least every other month. Even if it’s just a few days spent at home, reconnecting with yourself and accomplishing tasks that make you feel good. It’s good for both your mental and physical health.
You always want to make sure, if feasible, to get out of town once a year. You don’t need to travel across the country. You can easily research some getaways close to home. Trust me, you’ll feel recharged and regenerated after doing so! It also allows you something to look forward to outside of work.
Set a Time to Check Work Emails
If you find yourself checking your phone every time it dings when you’re out to dinner with friends, it may be time to utilize the “do not disturb” function on your phone. If you have a big deadline coming up, it may be a bit different. However, if you are constantly checking work emails when you’re with others, it’s time to reevaluate.
Set aside a time where you check emails and let your coworkers know when this is. If there is something urgent, you can always ask them to call you. It’s important that you set boundaries for yourself when it comes to working off the clock.
Keep Your Mornings for You
Mornings are the best time to reflect and connect with yourself. Try and avoid reaching for your phone or computer first thing while you wait for your coffee to brew. There’s no reason you need to get started immediately – you have the rest of the day for that.
If you feel you don’t have the time to enjoy a half hour of solitude in the mornings, set your alarm a bit earlier. Allowing yourself time to read, write, meditate, or spend some quiet time in the morning sets you up for a productive and focused day.
Communicate with your Family
Perhaps you have a family and find yourself missing a lot of important events due to your work schedule. If this is the case, communicate with them. How do they feel you are as a spouse or a mother?
You aren’t married or a parent to your work – even if it feels like it. Consistently putting your family first is key to a healthy work/life balance. Of course, there will be times where you may be incredibly busy with work. Yet, this is when it’s most important to let your family members know that you still care and plan to get back on schedule after your big project is finished.
