Stay Motivated
That’s totally normal, especially if you’re working from home. The pandemic has shifted the way we work and has brought about challenges many of us have never faced before.
Whether you’re working from home or in the office, you can create a healthy work-life balance that works for you with our simple tips to maintain a work-life balance.
Working from home has become the new normal and has changed the way we approach our work-life balance. With no office space to separate our work-life from our home-life, we must implement ways to stay productive while taking care of our health, relationships, families and hobbies.
The key benefits of achieving a better work-life balance include:
You have a dedicated workspace at work, whether that’s a shared office, a desk/ cubicle, or a co-working area. This dedicated space creates a clear divide between your work hours and free time.
When working from home, you must create this divide by finding a workspace that works for you and make it yours. Turn a corner of your living room into an ‘office’ or half of your dining room table into your ‘cubicle’ to create healthy and visual boundaries of your work time vs your personal time.
Another key way to manage your work-life balance at home and in the office is to focus on the basics.
Get enough sleep. You may be late on a deadline or have an essential presentation to prepare, but sleep is vital for your health, mood, and ability to focus. The NHS states that the average person in the UK sleeps for around 6.4 hours a night, but you’re supposed to get about 8 hours of good-quality sleep.
Eat healthily. Although it can be hard to stick to a healthy diet when dealing with stress, anxiety, and deadlines, eating nutritious foods reduces stress and improves mood. Small changes can make a big difference. For example, replace high-sugar snacks with fruit or veggies, or add less sugar to your tea. Find whatever works for you—your body and mind will thank you.
If you’re working from home or on days you don’t go into the office, maintaining your regular work routine will help you feel happier, more productive, and less stressed. Whether you follow your old work routine at home or create a new schedule, you need to find a routine that accommodates you, your living situations, and your home-life responsibilities.
*Our tips
Recognising and acknowledging that your work-life balance will never be perfect is key to creating a healthy work balance. If you’re struggling to concentrate or be productive, set aside time to rest or do things you enjoy to prevent burnout. Being consistent with your exercise, hobbies, and social life is vital to maintain your physical health and mental wellbeing.
*Our tip: Go for a short walk or have coffee with a friend one day a week to give yourself a break from work and a chance to rejuvenate before your power through the rest of the day.
Whether you’re working from home or in the office, you must create a healthy work-life balance to take care of yourself and to prevent burnout. By creating a dedicated workspace at home, taking care of your wellbeing, keeping a work routine, and being kind to yourself, you can find the work-life balance you need to be the best version of yourself, both personally and professionally.
