6 Tips to Create and Maintain Work or School Life Balance
Maintaining that fine line between keeping work at work and home at home can be a struggle.
When it comes down to it, this is a responsibility left solely up to you.
Of course there will always be exceptions, but instituting a strong line between work and home is possible with a little organized discipline and focused intention.
Remember, establishing and upholding boundaries is your job, so don’t shy away from being your own advocate.
So, here are 6 easy and mindful tips to creating and maintaining a healthy work/school life balance.
MINIMIZE OUTSIDE INTERFERENCE
When you respond to ‘work things’ outside of work hours, you’re showing your boss and your team that you’re available around the clock.
Similarly, texting your family and friends throughout your workday is letting them know it is also acceptable.
Communicate with your family about your work hours and responding to non-urgent calls/texts only when you’re able to, like on your lunch break or stepping out for some coffee. Talk to your family’s school, childcare, nursing home, etc. to let them know your expectations to ensure the best communication for all parties involved.
Regardless of where you set boundaries, let them be known.
BE FLEXIBLE WHERE YOU CAN
Some professions allow for more flexibility with schedules, like coming in early to leave early to make it to your daughter’s soccer game. Keep in mind, iif you never ask, the answer is always ‘no’.
Some professions require you to be "on call" or remain available after traditional work hours. If you work those professions and are not sure of the flexibilities or requirements for yourself, talk with your boss or Human Resources to get more detailed information regarding your specific role and responsibility and the specifics of your position’s required work hours.
Being your own advocate might take some courage, but in doing so you have the potential to find better flexibility and in turn less stress for both you and your employer.
EVALUATE YOUR DECISIONS
Recognize that when you say ‘yes’ to something, you are also saying ‘no’ to something else.
When you say ‘yes’ to the after-work bar crawl, or ‘yes’ to taking on that extra caseload, acknowledge you are indirectly saying ‘no’ to something else.
Decide whether the ‘yes’ will provide you with the stress relief you need to improve your daily life, or if it will just add to the struggle of your work-life imbalance.
WHEREVER YOU ARE, BE ALL THERE
Try to narrow your focus by being intentional and purposeful with each moment. When you’re at work, do your best to focus on work.
When you’re at home, do your best to focus on home.
Meditation, establishing daily intentions, setting reminder notifications, and making to-do lists are great ways of maintaining attention and direction.
Stay focused. When you get distracted, take a deep breath and simply redirect yourself to get back on track.
ORGANIZE YOUR HEADSPACE
Make lists or to-dos for yourself, and always remember your ‘why’. If you continuously get overwhelmed with tasks, try organizing your day by making your to-dos more specific.
You can even go as far as making one for the present day, one for the week, and one for the month. (It can be very advantageous to make different to-do lists for work than you have for home.)
Furthermore, don’t just set to-dos for completing tasks; set goals too.
Incorporating goals into your to-do list will allow you to enjoy all of your hard work. Write down your goal and put it in places that you will see throughout the day to remind you of your purpose.
KEEP YOURSELF AT THE TOP OF YOUR TO-DO LIST
Most of all, never forget what Iyanla Vanzant said about always keeping your cup full.
“Your cup is for you; what is in your cup is for you. What spills out and flows over the cup is for everyone else.”
This is not being selfish, this is being self-full. Taking time out of your busy schedule to ensure quality self-time is necessary.
Don’t allow yourself to feel guilty or anxious for taking five, thirty, or however many minutes you need to get grounded.
Go lift, take a nap, sink into a hot bubble bath, or play catch with your daughter. Allow yourself that time to be present for yourself and your needs, and acknowledge the relaxation you find internally during that time.
Being able to disconnect allows you to return to work and life refreshed and recharged, improving your performance and overall headspace. It is healthy to make yourself a priority.
Whether you’re setting boundaries with your workplace or organizing your schedule with your family, always communicate and advocate for yourself.
Don’t be afraid of letting your voice be heard. Stick up for yourself and speak up for your needs.