10 Ways to Find Balance & Recharge After Work
Do you sometimes feel like your whole life revolves around work – with no time for you to just chill?
A solid work-life balance is an essential element of employee well-being. If you’re an employer, it’s something you should not only care about but actively encourage your employees to improve and maintain.
Study after study has shown that an imbalance of work and life, a work-life conflict if you will, can have a serious negative impact on employees. In the office, it has been associated with poor workplace performance, reduced productivity, absenteeism, and burnout.
But the downsides of poor work-life balance go well beyond the office. It can also cause a range of physical and mental health issues like anxiety, depression, weight gain, and increases in smoking and alcohol consumption.
On the flip side, employees that feel good about their ability to balance their work and life are often less stressed, more relaxed, more productive, and produce at a higher level.
An individual employee’s work-life balance isn’t something that can be easily tracked on standard performance dashboards. That’s why it’s critical for business leaders to pay attention to how their employees are balancing their commitment to work with their personal lives.
It’s the right thing to do – not just ethically, but for the bottom line as well.
But helping your workforce balance both work and life can be easier said than done.
The tips below will help you say goodbye to burnout and hello to peace, calm, and happiness!
Let Mother Nature clasp your hand in Hers and envelop you with fresh air and warm sunshine. Find a park or forest close by to spend quality outdoor time on walks, hikes, or even a yoga session. Make it extra special by bringing your partner, family member, or cuddly pet!
Give your life new meaning by striking a balance between real life and your digital space. You’ll notice that you enjoy better sleep quality, improved mood, and stronger connections with your loved ones. A warm smile or hearty laugh is worth more than a digital ‘like’ for sure!
Be more generous when rewarding yourself for all your hard work. A new haircut can work wonders for your self-esteem. Treat your tense shoulders to a Shiatsu session. Consider a 12-course omakase (complete with tiny plates!) to let flavours dance on your palate instead of making do with yet another late-night energy drink.
Not as tribute at work though 😂! Find deeper meaning to life while serving, inspiring, and protecting vulnerable segments of our society or another cause that is close to you.
Yo mama was right when she told you to put that phone down. Get some radio silence to improve your anxiety by instead engaging in meaningful conversations, getting physically active, or picking up a good ol’ book!
All work and no play, Jack (or Jill)? Discover a hidden interest and broaden your social circles by trying out new recipes, gardening, or even learning a new language. That way, you’ll likely be able to say more than “Annyeong” at your favourite Korean barbecue the next time you visit!
Close your eyes, take a deep breath in…and let out a slow, relaxed exhale. Feel better already?
Meditation helps you to be fully present and aware by paying close attention to your feelings, sensations, and surroundings – a great way to re-sensitize after your daily rat race.
Conclusion
The employee’s ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance is an essential factor in determining their productivity. Although it might be tempting to assume that the responsibility of achieving that balance lies solely with the employee, the reality is that the employer shares a large part of that responsibility.
Employers who understand this, and take the necessary steps to encourage a healthy work-life balance within their company, will be far more successful in the long run than those who don’t.
