An individual’s time, and the manner in which it is spent between their professional life and personal life, is a valuable resource and key driver to how we come to learn and understand what a genuine work-life balance entails. Although work conditions have become more flexible following the COVID-19 pandemic, meaning more workers could choose to complete tasks remotely, we remain confined to the overworking stereotypes, such as the more you work, the more ‘deserving’ or ‘better’ you are.
Yet, worldwide and especially in larger nations like North America, including the United States and Canada, heavy workplace involvement becomes a barrier to pursuing and maintaining healthy habits. While job satisfaction may still be regarded as high, overworking in many senses can serve as the dividing line that can distinctly separate a person’s work-life and personal life and inhibit an enriching and lively balance between both.
What is a Work-Life Balance?
A work-life balance can be defined as the harmonious dynamic between managing work duties and personal responsibilities. Similar to many aspects of life, it can be considered or viewed as healthy and fulfilling or harmful, depending on how you choose to allocate your time.
Amid family priorities, social calendars, and work deadlines, many individuals can begin to struggle and face difficulties when they overlook time distribution and fail to acknowledge what a healthy work-life balance can look like. We see that 47% of American workers experience guilt when taking time off and engaging in activities that promote their well-being. This shows us that extreme levels of stress, pressure, and exhaustion are frequently common factors associated with an unhealthy work-life balance.
So, in learning to nurture and ultimately achieve a better work-life balance, we must understand the factors and differences currently influencing society in its efforts to pursue a dense and demanding work-heavy routine.
However, whether you’re managing full-time or part-time work alongside family commitments, or juggling completing online ABSN programs or other courses with your social life, it is still achievable to work towards and attain a healthy work-life balance.
So, what actions can we take in order to avoid feeling overwhelmed by stress and endeavor towards a healthier and balanced life? Three main points, which will be explained further below, will help identify factors such as reducing stress, establishing boundaries, and self-compassion, as well as how you use your time in a healthy manner.
How to Work Towards a Work-Life Balance
Learn to Let Go of Your Guilt
You should learn that it is acceptable to utilize the breaks provided by your employer. We aren’t superhuman, and it’s a fact that we will struggle to maintain and juggle all our priorities and unrealistic expectations if we ignore the formation of healthy habits. There is nothing wrong with taking time for yourself, whether this involves exploring new hobbies, enjoying moments of relaxation, or even committing to a new exercise routine. Guilt serves only as an additional psychological burden to your work stress, so it is only fair that this is the first step in creating a healthy work-life balance.
Take Time to Learn About Your Body’s Well-Being
This means learning time management, compassion, and mindfulness towards what your body can and can’t handle. This is instrumental in learning how to navigate your values as an individual and acknowledging priorities outside of work environments. A healthy mind is a healthy body, and when acknowledging this, it can be a powerful tool in your kit!
Work Towards Setting Boundaries
Without boundaries, a work-life balance isn’t achievable. Not being able to disconnect and take personal time due to the demands of a workplace breaks down and has the potential to become an extremely unhealthy habit. This means prioritizing only working within set hours, and if that happens to be a 9-5 workday, don’t work towards scheduling events for earlier or later. This can make a huge difference and ultimately make it easier to work towards the harmonious balance between work commitments and personal ones.
Finding the Right Balance
Understanding what it means to have a work-life balance and recognizing when it is in jeopardy, these small steps towards awareness of your time can help you thrive at work while also prioritizing what matters most- YOU!
