better work & life balance

Finding the balance between work and personal life is something that the majority of working adults struggle with, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed many individuals to work from home or add flexibility to their schedules. While being able to work comfortably outside the office can have many benefits, it has made it difficult for many people to set boundaries with their employers and life at the office, as many find themselves working longer hours than usual and continuing to do work in what should be free time. As the world continues to return to “normal” and many are finding themselves once again working regular hours in an office, it is important to continue setting boundaries to keep work and home separate.

Here are some tips to help you find a stronger work/life balance.

  1. Designate “Work Free” Zones

If you work from home or find yourself bringing work home after a day at the office, it can be easy to allow your tasks to consume what should be free time spent at home with your family. To help keep this at bay, try limiting the rooms of your home where you allow yourself to do work. For example, you could designate your living room as a work-free zone, meaning that when you are in it you are not allowed to use your phone or computer for any work-related activities. To take this a step further, set a rule that you are not allowed to do any work anywhere outside of your office.

  1. Time Management

One of the major keys to balancing your time at work and home is to improve your general time management skills. Setting a plan or developing a strong daily routine can help ensure you get everything you need to be done in an allotted time frame and can help you feel less overwhelmed. If you are struggling with time management, a great way to get started is by investing in a daily planner or beginning to make daily to-do lists.

  1. Take Vacation Time

When you earn vacation time at work, use it! Your employer gives you PTO for a reason, and you work hard to earn it. Be sure to treat yourself to a day off or a fun trip when your vacation time allows.

  1. Take Care of Your Health

Prioritizing your mental and physical health can prevent you from experiencing burnout, and taking the time to care for yourself can help you create work/life balance by prioritizing yourself and your needs outside of the office. Look into mental health services like therapy from diazepam or visit your doctor for a physical or check-up. Some physicians pair with top medical scribes from companies like Provider’s Choice to help you keep all your medical records accurate and up-to-date, to help you stay organized, and keep track of all the information you need regarding your health.

  1. Readjust Your Priorities

At the end of the day, finding a good work/life balance comes down to doing what is best for you, both in and out of the office. Take the time to think about your priorities, and re-evaluate them as needed. If your family is your biggest priority, work on taking steps in the office to allow you to spend more time with them; this could mean readjusting your schedule, adopting a hybrid schedule that allows you to work from home, or taking an extended vacation.