Something every person with a busy lifestyle and a growing career can attest to is that your work life and the rest of your life are not aspects that can be stuffed into two distinct compartments. These facets depend on each other. In fact, they are inextricably intertwined (try saying that fast ten times), which is why it is so important to strike a balance. The truth is, neglecting your health or mental well-being, whether for work or because of family pressures, will have no positive effects on your productivity. So, if you find you’re denying yourself activities you enjoy, such as a nice long bath or a walk with your dog, because of fatigue, then it is time to reassess the overall balance of your life.

 

  • Eat Healthily

Prepare your own lunch in advance a few times a week. You’ll be eating what you like, and not forced to eat the greasy grub from the cafe or the same boring option from the corner shop. You’ll know exactly what ingredients went into your lunch. You’ll save money too, and that’s sure to leave you smiling at the end of the month. Opt for food with a medium or slow energy release. It will mean more energy for longer during your workday. Keep some almonds in your drawer for when you need a boost during the day. If you manage your energy levels properly during the day you’ll also have more energy for pursuing your hobbies at night.

 

  • Drink Water

This cannot be emphasised enough. The majority of people in the USA suffer from chronic dehydration. Struggling to sleep, feeling dizzy in the afternoons, getting headaches you have no explanation for? It might be as simple to sort out as a few more glasses of water each day. So keep a water bottle on your desk, and ditch that extra cup of coffee in the afternoon for a cup of Rooibos tea or a glass of water instead. Coffee won’t actually dehydrate you much, but it will interfere with sleep, which brings us to the next point.

 

  • Get Rest

Not feeling well-rested in the morning? If it isn’t because your neighbours love wild all-night parties, it might be time to evaluate the amount of sleep you get. A recent study suggests that people who sleep between 6.5 and 7.5 hours a night live longer, so it seems sensible to make sure you get at least 7 hours of proper rest. Not sure how you’re doing on the sleep front? There are a variety of free and paid-for apps available that can help you maintain a proper sleep cycle. SleepBot, one such app, tracks and analyses your sleep. It can even record you at night, so you know whether you are restless or snoring. The app guides you by offering proper tips on how to get the most out your night of sleep.

 

  • Get Exercise

You don’t have time, you say? There are plenty of things you can do at work to look after yourself better. And to make your day a little bit more interesting. Swop your chair for a balance ball. The first few days might be a bit strange – but soon your core muscles will strengthen and your breathing will improve. Your back will thank you for it, and it will boost your concentration. If balancing on a ball will get the creative juices flowing, it’s worth it, right? Once you’re in the desk exercise mode, do some yoga and basic stretches at your desk. (Note: a good old-fashioned chair will work just fine for this.) Just google “desk yoga”, and let your desktop take you through the steps. Other suggestions are to take the stairs instead of the elevator and to take occasional strolls. In fact, think of your office as an airplane – remind yourself that moving around is imperative to your health!

 

  • Optimise Your Schedule

Why are you here so early? Why don’t you go home? Chances are at least one of these statements has been directed at you before. Early birds and night owls are never going to agree on what a sensible work schedule looks like. But if you have the opportunity to work flexi-time, then choose a schedule that suits you. If you’re at your most productive at 7am, make sure you’re at the office at 6:30, so you’re ready to ride that wave of inspiration. If you only hit your peak at 2pm, don’t go in so early that by the the time your brain is ready to generate fresh ideas your body is exhausted.

 

  • Don’t Cheat Yourself

Unless you’re on a tight deadline for a major project, don’t stay at work late consistently. It takes only 21 days to form a new habit. Stay at work late every day for one month, and you’ll be stuck in a rut that is hard to get out of. Plenty of us have been there: “I just need to finish this one thing.” Well, there is always another task to take its place. Do you think that your colleagues who leave work on time are lazy? Then it is time to rethink your strategy. Leaving on time is sensible, and essential to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. If you have nothing urgent on your desk, pack up and go home while it is still light. You’ll be surprised what you can do at home with your extra hours.

 

  • Work Smarter, Not Harder

Feel guilty for leaving tasks halfway done? As it turns out, this can be a surprising time-saving exercise. Experts say that if you leave a task at a point where it is easy to pick up the thread, it can help you save time in the morning. As soon as you arrive at work you know exactly where to continue. By the time you’re done you’ll be in the swing of things, and it will be easier to continue straight onto the next task. While this might sound like an unusual tactic, it is an excellent method of cutting down on early morning procrastination.

 

  • Keep Your Personal And Work Lives Separate

No, we know, where else are you supposed to meet new people? We don’t mean it like that. Socialising with workmates can be a great way to blow off some steam. We mean don’t sync your personal and private emails. Remember, your time is valuable, you don’t need to reply to a work email at 12 at night, unless you’re on standby and being paid for your time. It’s nice to keep your finger on the pulse, but your emails will still be waiting in the morning.

Treat yourself with the same respect you treat your colleagues. You won’t disturb them after hours, so do yourself the same courtesy. Don’t let work interfere with your rest and recreation time once you step out of the office.

Finding it is impossible to maintain a healthy work-life balance where you are now or feeling under appreciated? Why not consider a change in career? Webafrica always love new talent!
Share your tips below on how to stay sane and balanced at work and beyond!

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8 Ways To Maintain A Healthy Work-Life Balance
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As the seasons change it is imperative to look after yourself and make sure you don't burn out. Find out how to make sure you keep balance in your life.
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