Work-life balance is an idea that supports the efforts of Virtual Staffs to split their time and energy between and other important aspects of your life. It is a daily effort to make time for your family, friends, community participation, spirituality, personal goal, self-care, and other personal activities, in addition to the demands of your work.
In our rush to “get it all done” at work and home, it’s easy to forget that as our stress levels spike, our productivity plummets. Stress can zap our concentration, make us irritable or depressed, and harm our personal and professional relationships.
Over time, stress also weakens our immune systems and makes us susceptible to a variety of ailments from colds to backaches to heart disease. The chronic stresses can double our risk of having a heart attack.
Work-life balance enables you to feel as if you are paying attention to all of the important aspects of your life. It occurs when you experience the flexibility of a workplace that allows you to pursue all components of a healthy life.
Here are a few practical steps we can all take to loosen the grip that stress has on us and win back the balance in our lives. Read on and reap the benefits.
- Communicate effectively.
Be honest with colleagues or your client when you feel you’re in a bind. Chances are, you’re not alone. But don’t just complain—suggest practical alternatives. Looking at a situation from someone else’s viewpoint can also reduce your stress. In a tense situation, either rethink your strategy or stand your ground, calmly and rationally. Make allowances for other opinions, and compromise. Retreat before you lose control, and allow time for all involved to cool off. You’ll be better equipped to handle the problem constructively later.
- Be efficient with your schedule and time at work.
When we procrastinate, the task often grows in our minds until it seems insurmountable. So when you face a big project at work or home, start by dividing it into smaller tasks. Complete the first one before moving on to the next. Give yourself small rewards upon each completion, whether it’s a five-minute break or a coffee break. If you feel overwhelmed by routines that seem unnecessary, tell your client. The less time you spend doing busy work or procrastinating, the more time you can spend productively, or with friends or family.
- Set your priorities and manageable goals each day.
Being able to meet priorities helps us feel a sense of accomplishment and control. The more control we have over our work, the less stressed we get. So be realistic about workloads and deadlines. Make a “to do” list, and take care of important tasks first and eliminate unessential ones. Ask for help when necessary.
- Give yourself a break.
No one’s perfect! Allow yourself to be human and do the best you can.
- Don’t over commit
Do you feel stressed when you glance at your calendar? If you’re overscheduled with activities, learn to say,” no.” Shed the Superman/Superwoman urge!
- Stay active.
Aside from its well-known physical benefits, regular exercise reduces stress, depression, and anxiety, and enables people to better cope with adversity. It’ll also boost your immune system and keep you out of the doctor’s office. Make time in your schedule for the gym or to take a walk during lunch—and have some fun!
- v Get help and support.
Chatting with friends and family can be important to your success at home—or at work—and can even improve your health. People with stronger support systems have more aggressive immune responses to illnesses than those who lack such support. Don’t let stress stand in the way of your health and happiness. If you are persistently overwhelmed, it may be time to seek help.
- Rest and relaxation.
You can do this by practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, rhythmic exercise, and yoga. Fitting these activities into your life can help reduce everyday stress, boost your energy and mood, and improve your mental and physical health. Creating a more balanced lifestyle and be sure how you can find time in your schedule to rest.
At HireSmartVAs we want you to have a satisfying career as well as time for your personal desires. We want all our working professionals to be happy and well compensated for their work. We demand a lot for the working time, but focused time at work allows you to ditch the commute, be closer to your family and earn a great living. Interested in learning more about our careers? Check out our available positions.
