It’s worth taking five minutes to think about whether you have the balance right. Little changes can increase your productivity at work, help you to manage your caring commitments more effectively and allow you to relax and enjoy your personal life.
top work-life balance tips
1. first steps – Avoid taking work home with you. Turn off your work mobile when you leave, don’t check work emails and perhaps most importantly, leave work concerns at work.
2. switch off - Our minds are often subconsciously mulling over work issues in the evenings and at weekends, which can affect our ability to relax. Try creating a hand over email for the next day before you leave work, this will help you to switch off better.
3. take a break - Working regular hours and taking the breaks you're entitled to will help you to be more productive. Leaving work late may be ok as a one-off, but habitually working longer hours when you’re worn out will make the time you spend at work less productive.
4. be realistic – We can't always do everything, delegate where you have the option to and remember that it’s ok to say ‘no’ every now and then. Keep your 'to do' list up-to-date, this will help you prioritise, plan your time and put things into perspective.
5. be flexible - Take advantage of flexible provisions at work, many employers offer flexible working hours and new technologies have given employees more choice about where and when they work. If you work from home, create boundaries for example, finishing work on time, relocating to a different room after work and changing out of work clothes.
6. make plans - Schedule time with family and friends to give yourself something to look forward to. By planning specific activities, you are more likely to spend valuable ‘quality time’ with others, which will strengthen your relationships. This may even give you an incentive to leave work on time!
7. physical activity - Busy people tend to neglect this area, but it is really important for your health. Physical activity boosts your mood and energy levels and improves your ability to concentrate; leaving you happier, healthier and more productive. For inspiration visit the NHS website.
8. relax - Relaxation doesn't always come naturally to busy people. Invest time into learning how to relax as this will help you to control anxiety and stress. Start by downloading a free app at getsomeheadspace.com. You could also try meditation, yoga or tai-chi.
9. introduce changes gradually - Don’t try to change everything at once, this will only add to your ‘to-do’ list! Start by leaving work on time one day a week and schedule in an activity for the weekend. You can then build on the small changes to create a work-life balance that works for you.
Oakdale provides counselling to address a range of issues and concerns including work- life balance. To discuss this further, please contact Oakdale on 0300 555 5050 or at info@oakdalegroup.co.uk. A 10% discount will be offered to all engage with you customers.
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