Many people claim to have an amazing work-life balance but is that truly the case? Are you still answering calls, texts, and emails after office hours? Individuals tend to prioritize their career over their own mental and physical health. So why is it that we place our well-being at the bottom of the list? Is it because we think money is most important to us? America is overworked and stretched to the max with busy schedules. Our culture makes us feel lazy if we don’t have a full calendar.
I have developed a well-rounded schedule that has made my day much more manageable and enjoyable. My healthy habits are distributed throughout the day. In the morning, I lift weights and meditate. At lunchtime I walk and read or research topics for my articles. In the evening, I practice guitar, stretch, and work on my blog. My whole day revolves around a to-do list that I’ve consistently followed for 2 years.
Workplace stress causes 120K deaths each year (Occupational Safety & Health Administration.) 1 million workers are absent everyday due to stress (American Institute of Stress) and it costs around $300 billion in losses. 4 out of 5 people say their stress comes primarily from their job (Forbes.) The leading causes of work stress are:
excessive workloads
micromanagement
job insecurity
undefined job description
negative culture
poor leadership
unrealistic expectations
underpaid
unachievable goals
lack of training or support
poor working conditions
monotony
toxic work environment
lack of work-life balance
LinkedIn states that 85% of people dislike their job. Perhaps employees accept positions that aren’t right for them to begin with. They may not be passionate about the job but accept positions due to other circumstances. Financial stability, limited opportunities, personal circumstances, and job market realities are just a few reasons that keep people showing up for work on a daily basis. In many cases people balance practical needs and personal satisfaction and try to look for ways to bring purpose to a job, even if it’s not an ideal position. This is acceptable as long as the employee is able to manage the situation emotionally and physically without it affecting their health in a negative way.
Schedule and routine become very important when you decide to make a lifestyle change for the better. Prioritizing your physical and mental health is really important for overall well-being. This life-changing decision improves a person professionally and personally. In order to achieve a realistic, manageable work-life balance, here are some actions to start including in your day:
Exercise (lift weights, walk, other activities)
Self-care (sleep, meditate, prayer)
Hobbies/Interests
Vacation
Socialize
Set boundaries (define work hours)
Physical boundaries (set area when working from home)
Learn to say “no”
The average retirement age is 64, but male life expectancy is only 74 and 78 for females. This means waiting until retirement to live a fulfilling life, doesn’t make much sense. There are only about 10-15 years left to enjoy life. We spend more time with our coworkers than our family, which seems crazy. Your job doesn’t mean much if your health is suffering because of it. Some people don’t love their job, but stay for the perks such as: salary, pension, benefits, or a hybrid position with flexibility.
People dedicate their whole lives to companies and sometimes only end up with a plaque for their desk. They forget to live during those years because they’ve prioritized their careers over health, families, and hobbies. Life passes them by before they spend a substantial amount of time doing things they love. Family time is few and far between and things get delayed while life-long dreams get put aside. It might be time to grab your journal and brainstorm all the initiatives that you’ve been waiting to tackle. Depending on your age, lay out a detailed plan (5-year, 10-year, etc.) and start creating tasks with deadlines. Here are a few bucket list suggestions to get you started:
Learn to play an instrument
Skydive
Take a trip
Reconnect with someone
Train for a race
Take a course
Write a book
Get in shape
Ride dirt bikes
Play pickleball
Take a cooking class
Volunteer at a shelter
Become a mentor
Learn a foreign language
These are just a few worthwhile ideas that could change your life for the better. You never know where a new skill or hobby is going to take you. If we don’t make an effort to start flourishing, then we will be left with regret. Missed opportunities can lead to a lack of fulfillment, boredom, and less motivation. Life is short and by the time we retire, we may have other obligations that don’t allow us to pursue hobbies or learn new skills.
Focus on the positive in your career while you create a manageable routine outside of the office. It takes patience to build new habits and stay consistent so give yourself time to work on your new schedule. Don’t be hard on yourself, but it’s good to be mindful of your progress to determine if you’re accomplishing your tasks throughout the day. Negative self-talk is counterproductive. Challenging yourself is important and can lead to an increase in motivation and ambition. Reaching your potential often means you’re able to contribute more to the people around you. By not pursuing growth, you could miss out on the chance to positively impact others.
In conclusion, achieving a healthy work-life balance is essential for both personal well-being and professional success. When people prioritize balance, they experience reduced stress and improved mental and physical health. This balance fosters stronger relationships and leads to more satisfaction in their life. Work-life balance allows individuals to thrive and have a more sustainable, rewarding career which leads to a happier life in general. Good luck and reach out anytime to Kim at [email protected]
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Photo by: Mikhail Nilov
