The statement “work-life balance” is a word that frequently feels larger than life. Our existence, especially now during the COVID-19 era, has become a juggling act that runs the risk of running out of enough hands. Whether it’s work commitments, family responsibilities or household duties, 24 hours might not be enough to tick everything off the list. The hard truth is that, unlike superheroes, our powers are tied with the abilities we have in hand.
We’re breaking the cynicism about the concept of finding work-life balance with easy-to-follow day-to-day suggestions that have fully proven they work. The key is to work smart, because this might simplify even the smallest of things and make a huge difference in your life; both physically and more importantly, mentally.
MANAGING TIME – AT WORK
- If you work remotely, choose a dedicated space, however small, for your work-time. Inform other family members that whilst you’re sitting there, the focus is on your work tasks to avoid any conversation or chore downtime.
- If some of your work assignments require intense thinking, plan a day which is free from meetings and travelling to-and-fro. This will enhance your concentration and get work done better.
- Dedicate full concentration when you are at work and get more things done. Make the most of your job hours and leave any further jobs for the next day.
- Keep your timeframes. If you should be leaving your place of work in 5 minutes, don’t start working on something meticulous.
- Switch off meeting apps such as Zoom or Teams, and inbox notifications after work hours. You’ll be tempted to check them out and disrupt your personal flow.
- Make use of your leave. You and the team will benefit from having an employee with a refreshed mind.
- Even though travel is on short-demand during covid, take a couple of days off for a staycation or to enjoy a long weekend. It will make you feel re-energised.
MANAGING TIME – AT home
- Assign tasks to your preferred time of day. If you are a morning person, start off with the hardest stuff first thing. If on the other hand, you are a night owl, enjoy the quiet of the after-hours to let your concentration work its magic.
- Keep a record of the month-by-month financial spending. This will uncover trends in over-spending and assist you in gaining confidence about your cash flow.
- Ask for help. You’ll see how many are able and willing to extend a helping hand, if you just ask.
- Ensure each household member has his/her own responsibilities; even the little ones. House chores can be balanced by creating a list of items each person will take care of.
- Switch multi-tasking to task over-lapping. If you need to purchase some groceries, plan the trip for when you are driving around. Don’t get out of the house for just one endeavor.
- Use your time wisely. Order as many household items online to avoid wasting time in traffic congestions and running around for groceries.
- Don’t leave small chores for tomorrow. If you wash the plates in the evening, towel them dry as well. Adding another chore to the new day might take away further energy.
- Allocate a monthly allowance dedicated for substantial yearly investments, such as insurances, water and electricity tariffs, and the household upkeep.
MANAGING TIME – FOR YOUR PERSONAL LIFE
- Keep a notebook/notes app handy. List all the pending items on it so as not to forget anything and share it with others involved. Colour code your agenda list in terms of urgency for better prioritisation (red: super urgent, blue: medium urgency, green: no urgency).
- Acknowledge your personality traits. If you are a procrastinator, keep social media well away from your reach. Treat yourself to a 10-minute scrolling break after an hour of intense work.
- Manage your time through the use of a calendar (app or physical one). Customise timeframes by colours based on work commitments, personal engagements, public holidays, etc.
- Give physical activity its priority. If you can’t allocate an hour for a run, find methods to exercise within the house. For example, going up and down the stairs twice, do leg exercises whilst sitting at your desk, or get children involved in a 10-minute YouTube workout to make it fun.
- Dedicate a slot, at least once a week, to something that you love. Nurture your mental health as well as your body. A small break from the mundane routine can work wonders on garnering a positive attitude.
- Keep your dreams alive. Just because they can’t come true at this particular moment, doesn’t mean they are stuffed in a box in the attic. Want to go on a long-haul trip one day? Start saving a couple of euros a month especially for it. Want to spend more time at home with your family? Start by allowing 10 minutes of your time and increase it bit by bit.
- Learn how to say NO. Just because your Thursday evening is free, doesn’t mean you have to accept your friend’s invite for a coffee. Time for yourself is just as important.
- Don’t feel guilty because you allow the kids a little extra time with their gadgets to benefit from an extra 10-minutes of quiet. It doesn’t make you a bad parent or any less caring.
- Remember – you are only human! Mistakes are an innate thing, so show yourself some self-compassion.
- Don’t treat mistakes like failures. Look at them as a learning curve that will allow you to act better next time round.
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