SearchDo you ever find yourself so caught up in work that you neglect the other important areas of your life? When’s the last time you scheduled some quality me time or fun with your family? Many people feel overwhelmed by the demands of their jobs and their responsibilities at home. As we get worn down and burnt out, this can affect our emotional, mental and physical well-being. The following tips can help improve both your work performance and overall life satisfaction.
- Prioritize:
- Ask yourself, “If I only had time to focus on one thing in my life, what would it be?” The answer to this question is your top priority. Continue asking yourself this question to identify your top five priorities. Don’t add anything else to the list until you’ve devoted sufficient time to each priority.
- Stop multitasking:
- As tempting as it can be to try to always keep up with everything on your plate, this can diminish the quality of your work and your relationships. Start devoting all of your attention to the task or situation at hand. When you’re with your family, allow yourself to truly focus only on them. Likewise, when you’re at work, focus on performing your job to the best of your ability. Make sure you’re fully immersed in the present moment.
- Schedule your fun:
- Set aside 30 minutes to an hour each day doing something you really enjoy. This could be reading a good book, taking your dog for a walk or just spending time alone. Engaging in true self-care will renew your energy and make you a more active participant in your life.
- Use your PTO:
- You get vacation time for a reason! We all need time to recharge our batteries. By allowing yourself time to relax and unwind, you increase your productivity, creativity and overall work satisfaction. Your time off can be spent however you want, so don’t feel pressure to plan a detailed travel itinerary. A staycation spent watching Netflix and hanging out with your loved ones can be just as revitalizing.
- Ask for support:
- Don’t hesitate to reach out to co-workers or family members when you’re feeling overwhelmed by all your responsibilities. Make it clear to the people in your life that you’re actively trying to achieve a greater work-life balance, and any way they can help is much appreciated. If you have a clear plan and well-thought-out rationale, others are likely to support you.
- Get active:
- While adding another activity to your schedule may seem daunting, exercising for just 30 minutes a day can help alleviate stress and improve your mood.
- Set boundaries:
- Within the limitations of your current job, make it known to others that you’ll be checking only your work email and voicemail at work. Conversely, ask that friends and family members only interrupt your workday with urgent matters.
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