4 Tips to Improve Your Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance is something that millions of people try to achieve. And the need for this balance is more important than ever, especially in under-pressure workplace environments and the blurred lines between work and personal life. 

Chronic stress is one of the most common health issues in the workplace, potentially leading to physical consequences such as hypertension, digestive troubles, chronic pains, and heart problems.

A February 2022 Gallup survey revealed an increase in work-life balance and well-being over the years, with 53% of employees citing them as “very important” in 2015 compared with 61% of today’s workforce. And while 48% of Americans consider themselves workaholics, 72% consider work-life balance when job-searching.

Improving your work-life balance will boost your mental and physical health, personal relationships, engagement at work, productivity, creative thinking, and overall happiness.  

Set Boundaries

You must create firm boundaries in your personal and professional life. And although setting those boundaries at work can be intimidating, being stretched too thin isn’t helping you or your employer. 

Although you shouldn’t say “no” to a boss without a good reason, sometimes, it's the right thing to do. Saying no helps you manage your workload, stay focused on the work on your plate, and balance work and personal life. 

It can be helpful to recognize that saying “no” to things that are less of a priority frees up time and energy to say “yes” and attend to other important things, like your personal relationships, hobbies, and activities. 

A great tool to use for this exercise is the Eisenhower Matrix.

Take Your Lunch Break

Research shows that, thanks to remote work, we spend an average of 48.5 minutes more at work each day, attend more meetings, and navigate more emails. Many employees succumb to the “eat mindlessly in front of your computer” habit or skip meals altogether. 

Therefore, you should always take advantage of your lunch break at work to eat, hydrate, and even go for a short walk. This break allows you to re-focus before returning to the office or living room. As a result, you can zone in on specific duties for long periods without feeling tired or distracted. 

Prioritize Your Health

Maintaining your physical fitness, emotional well-being, and mental health is essential, but it’s not always easy. Work may be stressful and overwhelming, but taking a break is a great way to recharge your batteries and prepare for what lies ahead during work hours. 

Mental health should be your most prized commodity, and an individual’s personal wellness must be a top priority to achieve primary corporate goals and successes. 

Additionally, when we’re sick, we need downtime to recuperate and allow our bodies to heal. Ignoring symptoms and going to work will further the duration of the ailment. Therefore, taking sick days and prioritizing your health when under the weather are also important. 

Add Exercise To Daily Routine

Studies have documented the benefits of daily exercise from a health standpoint, but it can also be noticeably beneficial for productivity in the workplace. People with a clear mind from working out can complete tasks early in the day and get through tasks more quickly and efficiently. 

Being unwilling to compromise your exercise routine can help keep a healthy work-life balance by forcing you to step away from work and focus on your overall health. Regular physical activity, whether walking a mile or running five, is essential to reducing stress, staying productive, and being happy.