Finding a work life balance is hard. In today’s fast-paced world it’s even trickier and can leave you feeling like a tightrope performer. So many of us are juggling professional responsibilities with personal needs, leaving little, if any, time for self-care or relaxation. I think it’s fair to say that the search for balance has become an elusive yet essential goal for many of us.
In an age of remote work, 24/7 connectivity, and ever-increasing demands, it’s more vital than ever to strike a balance. This is to ensure not only career success but also a fulfilling personal life. From managing deadlines, attending meetings, and dealing with daily commutes; to spending quality time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, and taking care of your physical and mental health—life can resemble a circus act.
It’s easy to tell someone ‘Just say no’ or ‘Manage your time better’ but it’s not that easy, is it? Whether you’re a dedicated professional, a passionate parent, a creative artist, or someone striving to reach that perfect equilibrium, The Athena Method’s life coaching workbook (click here) is the perfect guide to reclaiming control over your time, energy, and well-being. In today’s blog, we will scratch the surface of its contents, and see how you can start to make some changes.
Why is finding a work life balance so hard?
Before you can work on a solution, you need to know the answer to your question. Finding balance can be challenging for a variety of reasons, and this will vary from person to person. Below are some common factors that make it difficult for people to achieve balance in their lives. What one(s) do you relate to most?
Demanding Work Environments:
Some jobs require long hours, extensive travel, or constant connectivity, making it difficult to separate work from personal life. Do you find you have a long commute that’s eating into your personal time? Does your phone ring with work related queries on your day off? Do you work more than you live?
Technology and Connectivity:
The widespread use of smartphones and the internet has made it easier for work to encroach on personal time, as people are often expected to be available and responsive outside of traditional work hours. This is especially true since COVID, where remote working has become more popular. With all the benefits this brings, it does make ‘just checking that email quickly’ more frequent when your workstation is at home.
High Expectations and Pressure:
Many people feel pressure to excel in their careers, meet deadlines, and be highly productive. This can lead to overworking and neglecting personal time. Although we should all work to be the best version of ourselves that we can be, this should not be at the expense of our loved ones, or our health.
Ambition and Career Goals:
We all know people (or are that person) who is highly ambitious and prioritise their career over other aspects of life, making finding a work life balance. Yes, it’s important, but at what cost?
Family and Caregiving Responsibilities:
Balancing work with family and caregiving responsibilities can be particularly challenging, as it often requires juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. There will be times, as a parent, when work takes a back seat because something crops up with family. There should be a way to balance and manage this without feeling excessive guilt.
Lack of Boundaries:
Failing to set clear boundaries between work and personal life can lead to an imbalance. This includes the inability to “switch off” from work mentally and emotionally. Values and boundaries are a huge part of our life coaching workbook, and something we cannot cover in a one-off blog. If this is something you struggle with, you will need to embark on a journey of self-work to tackle this.
Burnout:
Chronic overwork and insufficient personal time can lead to burnout, which further exacerbates the difficulties in finding a work life balance. Early signs of burnout include consistently being tired, a negative outlook, feeling overwhelmed, and self-doubt.
Perfectionism:
Those with high standards for themselves feel the need to excel in both their professional and personal lives, which can lead to excessive demands on their time and energy. It’s important to remember that you are just one person, and you can’t do it all.
What steps can you take to find balance?
Set clear boundaries:
Define specific work hours and stick to them as closely as possible. Make sure that you communicate your boundaries to your colleagues, supervisors, and family members. Communication is always key in anything.
Prioritise your time:
Identify your most important personal and professional goals. Now, allocate time and energy to these priorities and be willing to say no to less important tasks. You can’t manage everything, there are only so many hours in the day so make sure you prioritise.
Create a schedule:
Develop a daily or weekly schedule that allocates time for work, personal activities, and relaxation. Don’t keep moving these if something else ‘crops up’. Make sure you commit to yourself and that includes time for exercise, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones.
Manage your time effectively:
Use time management techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, time blocking, or to-do lists to maximise productivity during work hours. The Pomodoro Technique is a time management technique built upon twenty-five minute periods of work broken up by five minute breaks. Longer periods of downtime, (usually 15 to 30 minutes) are taken after four successive work intervals. Each period of work is called a ‘pomodoro’, which is the Italian word for tomato.
Delegate and outsource:
Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks both at work and at home. Consider outsourcing tasks that can be done more efficiently. For example, if your hourly rate is more than that of a cleaner, it would be an effective use of time to hire domestic help.
Set realistic goals and expectations:
Understand that you can’t do everything perfectly and it’s okay to make compromises. We all do and it’s not a weakness. As such, make sure that you are setting achievable goals and avoiding perfectionism.
Unplug and disconnect:
Avoid checking work-related emails or messages after hours. This will lead into taking action, which will eat into personal time. Turning off notifications on your devices as a minimum is essential for finding a work life balance.
Stay organised:
This is both virtually and physically. Keep your workspace organised to reduce stress and increase productivity. You can also use tools like calendars and apps to manage your schedule and tasks.
Practice self-care:
Prioritise self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, and hobbies that bring you joy.
Focus on your physical and mental well-being. If you are not healthy, you can’t perform and work anyhow.
Seek support:
If you are feeling overwhelmed, share your feelings and concerns with family, friends, or a therapist. Be careful who you speak to and seek advice or mentorship from those who have successfully balanced work and life.
What now?
Remember that finding a work life balance may not always be possible, and it may vary depending on your job and personal circumstances. The key is to continuously assess and adjust your approach to ensure that you are maintaining a healthy and sustainable equilibrium between your career and personal life.
As mentioned earlier in this blog, our company founder, Sarah, has written a workbook that offers further support. This 4-week workbook is your personal guide to unlocking your full potential whilst coordinating the demands of your career and personal life.
Backed by the expertise of its author, this workbook offers a comprehensive blend of practical tools and psychological insights to help you thrive in both your professional and personal spheres.
With a unique focus on psychology, this workbook delves into the inner workings of your mind, providing valuable techniques to manage stress, boost self-confidence, and enhance your decision-making abilities. This holistic approach not only empowers you to excel in your career but also promotes a fulfilling personal life, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Whether you’re a working professional striving for balance or an ambitious entrepreneur juggling multiple responsibilities, this workbook is your roadmap to success. Don’t miss the opportunity to transform your life and achieve the harmony you’ve always dreamed of. Click here to invest in your future and embrace a life of purpose, productivity, and well-being.