If you’re working at a full-time position, there’s a good chance you’re spending the majority of your week at work. However, it’s important to find a balance that works for you so that you excel in your career and also enjoy your personal time. Take a look at these helpful ways that will assist you in achieving your best work-life balance.

1. Unplug and turn off distractions

Once you leave the office at the end of the day or go home on the weekends, try and keep your work life separate. Don’t check your office emails when you’re relaxing or when you’re out doing something, because then it will just tempt you to get back into work-mode. When you think about the task you need to get done, can it wait until Monday morning?

2. Stay active during the week

Days at the office can be long, and the last thing you may want to think about is getting a workout in. However, exercise is proven to release some of the stress that you have built up so you can enjoy more things outside of work. Taking the time to exercise will also improve your quality of sleep and energy levels throughout the rest of the week. Try to find an exercise or workout program that will work best for you and add that to your weekly routine.

3. Utilize your vacation days

In order to maintain a healthy relationship with your job, you need to allow yourself some time off when you feel necessary. Whether you’re looking to take a trip somewhere or you just need a mental health day, you should not feel guilty for using those days off given to you. Stepping away from your work for a little while will make you feel refreshed and ready to tackle your next project when you head back.

4. Finish your work – at work

If you can, try your best to not bring work projects home to complete unless it’s absolutely necessary to meet deadlines. By bringing your work into your home, you are breaking down a boundary. Boundaries are important when trying to achieve your work-life balance. The best way to avoid this is to keep each of these areas as separate as possible. By only doing your work at the office and keeping home as a place to relax, it will be easier to maintain that balance.

5. Socialize within your office

Socializing with your fellow employees can actually be productive. Whether you and a coworker go grab a cup of coffee, or join a group to go out for lunch, it’s important to create those relationships with those you work with. When you get to know your coworkers, you’re building a support system in the office.

6. Learn how to prioritize

During the work week, there will be a number of projects that you’ll need to get done. You need to find out which tasks are most important, and what can maybe wait until a later time. A good way to get started with prioritizing is to create a to-do list of each task and assess how urgent each one is. Once you’ve determined your top priorities, you’ll be able to tackle those at work and save time to be able to do more outside of the office.

7. Get enough sleep

Lastly, you need to get enough sleep to benefit both your personal and work life. Although that new Netflix movie may be tempting, it’s essential to let your mind and body rest at night. Getting enough sleep will help to lower your stress, strengthen your productivity, and improve your overall health. Try to make a bedtime routine each night so you can be set on the right path to getting that needed sleep.

At the end of the day, there’s no perfect balance, but there are techniques you can use to reduce stress in the office and get rest at home. Keep these simple habits in mind when you’re trying to improve your own work-life balance.

 

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