Maintaining your balance between work and leisure time is a delicate act. Many of us move or change careers, and in general, readjust almost as often as we adjust to new schedules and routines.
Regardless of where we may be in the flow of things, finding an equilibrium between working and living is critical to our sanity. If you’re struggling with balancing life on and off the clock, here are four tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
- Find Your Rhythm
Get into the groove of a routine. If waking up before the sun is out gives you satisfaction, go for it. If extra shut-eye is non-negotiable for you, that’s fine, too. As long as you prioritize your daily responsibilities effectively, there is no right or wrong way to plan your day.
Once you’ve found what works for you, follow it strictly so you can develop a habit of a balanced lifestyle. If you find that what was working before no longer does, it may be time to rethink your routine and make necessary changes to start again.
- Get Enough Sleep
The recommended eight hours is more essential than you may realize. In our fast-paced world, we are tuned in to technology at nearly all times. As a result, we have lost touch with the natural rhythms of night and day.
When the sun goes down, we should be winding down, so staying up until 3 am is not doing you any favors. You may be mentally adjusted to this habit, but your body would prefer to be sleeping instead of binge-watching Netflix.
Plus, going to bed earlier will give you more time to sleep, making it easier to wake up early and get more done throughout your workday (or Sunday Funday).
- Exercise Each Day
Society has told us that if we want to exercise, we have to give it all that we’ve got. In truth, taking a brisk walk around your neighborhood, even for just ten minutes, has incredible health benefits.
Getting your body moving invites fresh oxygen into your cells, enhancing mental clarity and turning on the parasympathetic nervous system response (the thing that tells your body to relax and destress). With sustainable exercise, you can live a healthier and happier life. You can increase your work productivity and better enjoy your time off if you exercise.
Remember, you do not have to complete hardcore workouts to benefit from daily physical activity. Whatever you do to move your body, make sure you wear the right shoes to avoid injury. From blisters to sprained ankles, poor footwear can put you off exercising for weeks! Consider picking up a pair of men’s running shoes for the security and comfort your feet deserve.
- Go to Bed Feeling Accomplished
When your head hits the pillow, you should be feeling accomplished about what you made of the day. Whether it was your day off or a busy workday, make it your goal to go to bed feeling accomplished.
Setting this intention will help you ensure that your days are at least as productive as the last, giving you a greater sense of reward for your hard work and time off.
Make the most of your time off and include taking care of yourself as a critical goal. When you’re at work, give it all you’ve got and complete tasks with quality.
The Bottom Line
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is about your perspective. Are you doing all you can to make each day the best it can be? Follow these tips regularly, and we bet you’ll answer yes without a single shred of doubt.
