When it comes to our personal lives and professional careers, there is a balance that must be in place. A compromise we make with ourselves to supply for our financial and personal wellbeing. No matter how much we may try to keep them separated, our work and personal lives constantly mix. This is okay and normal. However, when these two lives become too connected and intermingled, it can cause a severe adverse effect on the rest of our life.

Creating a Work-Life Balance

Creating a work-life balance is probably something you’ve heard of before but you may be confused as to exactly what it means. We need work in order to pay for the things we want in our personal lives. We also need the relaxation and recharging that comes with our personal lives so that we have drive and determination for work. Basically, one facilitates the other, and you can not function effectively in one area without the other. But how can you go about creating a work-life balance.

Create Your Boundaries and Limits

One of the best things you can do to start building this balance is have a set schedule of hours for when you are in your “work” mode and when you are in your “home” mode. This helps you create a habitual pattern that you can adjust to. Your body and mine become accustomed to this routine and can more easily swap between these two modes.

On top of this, be strict about allowing crossover during these times. Obviously, emergencies and strange circumstances occur, but for the most part, try to keep them separate. Don’t take personal calls at work unless absolutely necessary and don’t take work home with you if you can help it.

Have a Schedule for Both

When you have an important work meeting or presentation you mark it down in your calendar and set a reminder. This makes sure you don’t forget or double schedule anything. Well, you can and should also do this same thing with your personal life’s activities. This makes you unlikely to forget about them and also much less likely to end up cancelling them for a non-personal reason. Writing it down in your calendar or app can make it feel permanent and like a commitment on your part.

Down the road, if a boss or coworker asks for extra work from you during those hours, you have that physical reminder in your calendar to keep your honest to yourself.

Prepare for Work and for Life

Whether you are going into work or heading home for personal time, be prepared for it. Going into work make sure you are alert and focused on the tasks for the day ahead. When living your personal life, focus on your physical and mental wellbeing and allow yourself to find space and time for yourself. Knowing how to maximize your potential in both a work and personal setting can make you happier and more successful in both!

All Work and No Play is No Good