Looking for tips on how to create a better work/life balance. While I don’t consider myself an expert by any means, I thought I would share 5 tips that have helped me to create a better work/life balance for myself. I hope that whether you adopt all of these tips or just a few of them that you will find more fulfillment in both your work day and you time at home as well!
Leave work at work…
Even if you’re working form home for the foreseeable future, it’s important to both start and end your work day on time. Once the clock ticks 5pm, it’s time to logout and leave your work at work until the following morning. One of the things that helps me leave work at work (although I will admit sometimes I still struggle) is to make a to-do list for the next day before I log off. That way I’m not thinking up things I need to do throughout the evening.
Take your vacation days…
This year many of us aren’t venturing far, but taking your vacation days are still essential. Everyone needs time to relax and regroup in order to get back into the swing of things at our 8-5. If your plans include spending your vacation days at home, plan some fun activities, explore a new hobby, pick a day or two to order take-out from your favorite restaurants, perhaps have an impromptu game night or movie night (with the members of your immediate household of course!)
Get some fresh air…
During work hours I’m lucky enough to have beautiful grounds around the office, and when the weather is cooler I’m planning on taking a break in both the morning and mid afternoon to get some fresh air even if it’s only for 5 minutes. When I’m at home, I have access to both a walking trail and our neighborhood has winding streets with some serious uphill/downhill areas that will get your leg muscles burning and those endorphins going. Now that it’s light out till after 8 in the evenings, I’m planning on getting some walking done either before or after dinner!
Take your lunch break…
I’m definitely guilty of working through my lunch break, in fact I do so pretty much everyday. Even though we’re back in the office, our safety restrictions allow us to eat in our cubicles. So while I might not always take an actual lunch break if I have quite a list of things to do, I make a point of walking down to the lunch room to heat up my food, and walk around the building before heading back up my cube. That way I’m taking a little mini break to help give myself a few moments to myself away from my desk!
Get enough sleep…
Having a set bedtime routine and actual bedtime is essential for getting those much needed zzz’s, especially if you are an insomniac like I am. I have a few products that I like to use to help me relax (including a wonderful lavender lip balm and a chamomile mist as well!)
