Achieving work-life balance in today’s crazy world isn’t as easy as it ought to be. In the age of hyper-connectedness, ever more demanding customers, and the daily battles we face while trying to stay one step ahead of the competition, it’s amazing we make it to the weekend in one piece.
Weekend, you say? What’s that?!
If you’re a small business owner or an entrepreneur, you don’t often get a lot of downtime at all. As a result, your relationships suffer, and so do you. Health issues like back pain, fatigue, and chronic illness are common, and you might just wonder what good will come of it.
The good news is, with a little effort, you too can achieve work-life balance. Whether a company employs you or you’re running your own, if you have a minute to check in with these handy tips, you are one step closer to the happiness you deserve.
Top Tips For Achieving Work-Life Balance
Life is about living. Sure, you do great work, but if you burn yourself out, you’re no good to anyone. Here’s where you can start:
1. Prioritize
If your to-do list reads like War and Peace on any given day, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. If you are like most people, there are things on that list that are more imminent than others. Some of them might even have a flexible deadline, and if so, they should be deprioritized. Sort your tasks into categories like this:
- Urgent and critical
- Critical but not urgent
- Urgent but not critical
- Neither of urgent nor critical
2. Set Boundaries
When you own and operate your own business, things inevitably spill over into your personal life if you do not set boundaries. For example, if you work out of your home, you should make sure you have a dedicated workspace that is away from the rest of the household.
Distractions can be stressful, and it will take more time than it should to get your work done. Even if you have a dedicated workspace, your family might resent the fact that you are always in that room and not spending time with them. Here are some strategies that might help:
- Set your working hours and stick to them
- Let your clients know
- Take regular breaks
- Consider a coworking membership
3. Schedule Your Time Well In Advance
You are probably highly organized and have your work calendar all planned out, right down to the minute. What about me-time? What about your family? If you find yourself so immersed in your work that you only see their kids when they’re asleep, try scheduling in family time just as you do your client meetings, conferences, and so on. That way, you are giving the activities, things, and people that feed your soul the respect they all deserve.
4. Take Time to Exercise
Studies show that exercise stimulates the creative part of your brain. It is excellent for clearing the mind and energizing the body, meaning it might just help you up the quality of your work. Take an hour or two each day to get your blood flowing. Even if it’s just a walk around the neighborhood with the dog, you will feel the benefits immediately.
My Annapolis Office is dedicated to supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs, and remote workers with flexible office solutions that support a better work-life balance. Drop by today for a tour to learn more about how we can help.
