It seems like everyone is always talking about mental health, wellbeing and work-life balance. But what is it about and how does one get it?
Ok, so basically in order to be emotionally, physically and mentally healthy, one needs to be in a state of comfort and happiness without exceeding their personal mental, physical or emotional capacity. In order to maintain that level of comfort and happiness (without exceeding it) many recommend having a more “balanced lifestyle”. Essentially, a juggling act between working just enough to get ahead and meeting deadlines, and relaxing just enough to feel recharged to push a little further at work the following day.
It is not just a balancing act – it is a whole cirque du soleil performance. Most individuals do not know how to effectively balance their work and personal life, usually resulting in one or the other to suffer. The good news is, many organisations today are now jumping onboard the wellness band-wagon and supporting the individual, as they can see that work productivity is a direct correlation to a more balanced life-style. However, you should not just wait for your company to direct you when to work and when to relax. You are in control of your own wellbeing and here are 6 ways you can make it happen without compromising your career.
1. Set Very Clear Boundaries Between Yourself and Your Employer
The more you do the more that will be asked from you. Once you bring that high level of energy, it will be expected from you time and time again. So if you are pushing yourself beyond your limits, then verbalise this with your manager. Give only what you can physically and mentally give. It is ok to say no.
2. View Self-Care As Important As A Business Meeting
You would not miss a business meeting, so don’t miss time for yourself. If you allocated time to go to the gym, go. If you allocated time for a meditation class, go. It is just as important as last weeks forecast meeting (if not more important).
3. Turn Off Your Phone and Emails
When you get home, allocate a time for total shut down. Dedicate a time for that off switch. It can be right before family dinner time or as soon as you leave the office. Whatever the time, make sure that you turn off any electronics that can reach you and keep them off until the allocated time you decide to switch it back on. Perhaps right after your morning coffee when you are awake enough to handle the many new emails you got through the night.
4. Self-Care Days
Perhaps you cannot allocate time every day for yourself, then at the very least create a self-care day that is just for you. A day where you unwind and recharge to full energy levels. It can be as simple as sleeping in, reading a book, listening to a podcast, seeing friends, cooking…whatever gets your calmness game on…do it. If you are looking for self-care ideas and ways to de-stress, then download our 11 ways to handle stress guide here, it is absolutely free.
5. Be Organised
In order to effectively manage any time for yourself, friends and family, you need to be organised. Otherwise, you may end up doing one activity more than the other and suddenly there is no work-life balance. Download our Planning Guide here for free to help you get that organisation you need between work and life.
6. Say YES to after work plans
In order to physically get out of the office, and into a social setting, you need to actually agree and commit to after work plans.
Being social is very good for your personal mental health. Even if you are tired and do not feel like it at the time, you will walk away a lot more energised after seeing friends and having a good chat and a laugh.
Just remember, self-care is not selfish and it will not slow down or destroy your career. The very opposite: self-care will allow you to maintain a steady level of energy, happiness and mental focus to be able to thrive in a more fast paced, high intensity working environment.
Without the proper balance in life the scales will tip…which way it tips will be unknown. Either way, one part of your life will suffer and eventually, it will impact the other too. Because without optimal health you will not be able to perform your working duties, and trust us that a fast paced working lifestyles without down time does catch up to you.
The same can be said for the opposite. Without the right level of employment, you may not be able to afford the indulgence of a ‘you’ day. If you spend too much time watching Netflix and less energy into your career, you may not level up as far as you want, which can also impact your happiness and mental health.
Balance is key, so find the right balance for you and your needs and don’t compromise on its importance.
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