Meaning
Work-life
balance is the term used to describe practices at the workplace that aim to
support the needs of employees in achieving a balance between family (life) and
work lives.
Work-life
balance is not just a work-family balance. Moreover, it refers to the
management of professional and family responsibilities, towards children, aging
parents, any disabled family member, or a partner.
12 steps will help you to restore the balance in your work and personal lives.
They are:
Step 1: One thing at a time
It is
not possible to focus on two things at a time. So, there should be one target.
Forget multitasking.
When
you are working, work. When you are spending time with your family, focus only
on them.
Step 2: Respect your private time
Sometimes
you have to cancel or delay your personal works because of an emergency work
meeting. Give your own time the same respect. Once you’ve put private time on
your schedule, protect it, unless there’s an emergency.
Step 3: Go for a vacation
Take
two weeks off from your work every year. You don’t need to go far or to spend
lots of money on this, but you do need to recharge your batteries to be
productive, creative, and happy. Turn off your cell phones and computer, and
enjoy the vacation with your loved ones.
Step 4: Set your priorities
Figure
out what you want your priorities to be, not what you think they should be. Ask
yourself, “If I could only focus on one thing in my life, what would it be?”
That
answer is your top priority. What would you focus on second? Third? Fourth?
Fifth? You’ve now identified your top five priorities.
Step 5: Track your time
For one
week, track how you spend your time. How much time do you spend doing things
that don’t matter to you? Eliminate these things from your life, or try doing
things that suit your priorities and stop wasting unnecessary time. Because
lost time is never found again.
Step 6: Ask for support
Tell
your boss, family, friends, colleagues, and anyone else involved in your life
that you are looking for a better work-life balance.
Tell
them what your plan is, and ask them to respect it.
Step 7: Set boundaries
Today’s
technology can make your work life and personal life quite blurry.
Turn
off your cell phone and laptop when you’re with your kids playing around, and
ask friends and family not to interrupt your workday unless it’s an emergency.
Step 8: Do plenty of exercises
It may
not be feasible to add another activity to your life, but exercise relieves
stress, clears your mind, and ultimately makes you more productive.
Don’t
skip it. You’ll find work, family, and personal commitments more
gracefully.
Step 9: Find a mentor
Do you
know someone who has it all a successful career and a great personal life?
Ask
him/her to give you advice on career development, setting priorities, and time
management.
Step 10: Learn to say “No”
Don’t
allow every request that comes your way. If it doesn’t fit into your schedule
or align with your priorities, don’t overburden yourself by taking on more.
Step 11: Have a look at your personal habits and general lifestyle
Lack of
sleep, poor nutrition, and bad habits can cause you to feel a lack of balance
in your life and can prevent any efforts you are making to achieve work-life
balance.
Step 12: Evaluate your work-life balance regularly
Achieving
work-life balance is a never-ending journey, and needs will be different at
different times in life. Set some time to say every two months to reflect on
your current balance, what you would like it to be, and what the plan is for
arriving there.
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