Let’s face it – in today’s fast-paced life, we are all caught up in a whirlwind. Every individual today is managing a thousand things together. Work pressure is continuously increasing and the boundaries between work and personal life are quickly fading away.
In fact, one in every four Americans describes themself as “stressed” and “extremely burnt out”.
But stress not only affects our personal and professional relationships. It harms our health too. It zaps our concentration, causes depression, and makes us prone to a variety of health problems. In fact, chronic stress can double our risk of heart attack.
Therefore, to stay healthy, it is important to relieve stress by maintaining a healthy work-life balance. In this article, we’ll share five essential tips that can help you maintain work-life sanity.
But What is a Healthy Work-Life Balance?
Healthy work-life balance is often different for different people. But ideally it is something that should give you enough time to
- Sleep and eat
- Meet your friends and family
- Stay at peace when you are not working
How to Know if Your Work-Life Balance is Unhealthy?
It is easy to get carried away with work and responsibilities. But we must remember that amidst all the chaos, our health is taking a backseat. So, once in a while, it is important to pause and evaluate if we are maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Here are a few questions that you must ask yourself:
- Am I happy?
- Am I giving sufficient time to my loved ones?
- Is my work leading to stress and unhappiness?
- Am I missing out on important events in life?
- Is constant work pressure making me unproductive?
Introspection is the easiest way to understand if we are living a happy life.
Tips to Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Want to strike a healthier balance, but not sure where to start? These practical tips can set you up for a healthier, happier life:
1. Set Your Boundaries
So, first thing first. Whether you are working in the office or at home, it is important to set your boundaries. If you do not set limits, chances are that work will eventually take over everything – your health, happiness, and relationships. So, to maintain a healthy work-life balance:
- Prioritize your tasks
- Do not overschedule yourself
- Delegate tasks to shorten your to-do list
- Share your concerns with your employer and work toward a solution
- Learn the art of saying a ‘No’
- Try to draw a line between work and home
2. Take In-Between-Work Breaks
While it’s easy to get lost in work, it is important to break the monotony. It helps you to boost your creativity and stay productive. So, whether it is going for a coffee break or planning a short walk in between work, make sure you take small breaks in between work hours to refresh yourself.
3. Plan a Digital Detox
We are deeply attached to our devices – to an extent that we cannot imagine a day without them. But once in a while, make way for a digital detox. It is one of the most impactful thing that you can do to improve your mental health. So,
- Switch off your device once in a while and try to spend some quality time with loved ones
- Limit your smartphone usage before bed
- Check your phone only after completing your morning routine
- Do not check your phone when you go out for a walk
4. Relax & Restore
In between your hectic schedule, steal some “me-time” and participate in activities that help you relax. Try to
- Meditate
- Practice yoga
- Read a book
- Indulge in a hobby
- Play your favorite sport
Dancing, cooking, gardening, swimming – do anything that helps you clam your senses.
5. Treat Your Body Right
Physical fitness increases your tolerance to stress and fatigue. So try to stay in shape. Eat right, exercise regularly and get adequate rest to boost your strength and stamina. Also, do not depend on alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to cope with stress; they only lead to health problems.
So, follow these tips and strike the right balance between work and life. However, if life still gets you down, consider seeking professional help. Talk to a mental health provider at EPIC Health and discover the easiest ways to restore your health and happiness.
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