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6 Essential Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance

by Melissa Bell
4 minutes read

There are only a set number of hours in a day and sometimes you can’t accomplish everything you want to do in those 24 hours. Between work, errands, cooking and other obligations there are plenty of days when you look at the clock and realize it’s suddenly time for bed.

Maintaining that work/life balance can be a tough project, even for those who consider themselves the best planners. Sometimes the work side can be overwhelming and you can feel like it’s taking over the life portion of your day with each passing week.

According to the American Institute of Stress, 20% of people say juggling this balance is their main cause of stress while another 46% say their job and workload is the most stressful part.

What can you do to ensure that you have the best work/life balance possible and stay stress-free?

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Find Consistency

Definitely easier said than done, finding a level of consistency in your daily life is key to lowering stress and balancing out your obligations.

That means that Mondays should be for getting groceries, Tuesdays are for your weekly book club and so on and so forth. Keeping it consistent means you know what to expect each and every day.

This also means having set work hours and being sure to stick to your guns. You don’t have to immediately grab your coat and make a beeline for the door when the clock strikes 5 o’clock every day, but you should set those consistent hours and stick to them.

Exercise

Exercise is great for your body, relieves stress and helps give you a sense of control. Your exercise doesn’t have to be a triathlon training regimen, but can be a yoga session or simply taking your dog for a 30-minute walk every day.

Set time out of your day to make sure you’re getting exercise for at least 30 minutes every day. An online fitness coach could be an affordable way of getting some expert help. Healthy body means a healthy mind, meaning you’ll be able to focus better and manage your work responsibilities.

Set Time for You

Many people try to follow the mantra “do what you love and love what you do”. This might have been a goal during the beginning stages of your career, but quickly tossed on the back burner the more years you started working.

That means you need to set time for yourself when you can. You may feel pressure to always be doing something to advance your career, but there’s no shame in taking time for yourself on a regular basis. You can even borrow the idea of Treat Yo’ Self from Parks and Recreation and take one day to do whatever makes you happy with no restrictions.

Take a Vacation

While the United States pales in comparison with the rest of the world when it comes to vacation days and taking vacation, you still have days that you could use. Set up a vacation with your friends, family or even take a solo trip.

Your body needs time to recharge and not even the mightiest of workers that can go so long without taking a break. Even though there is a stigma about taking vacation days, you don’t have to fall into that idea. Take your vacation and enjoy your time off.

Setting Goals

Don’t wait around to January 1st every year to make your New Year’s Resolutions. Sit down today and make a list of both your personal and career goals.

Having these goals side by side means you’ll be actively working towards both throughout the year. Let your future be a motivator for what you want to do. Your goals can be anything from getting that promotion, going surfing later this year or finally beating that video game that’s been taunting you.

Eat Right, Feel Right

Similar to fitness, another way to take care of yourself while instilling a sense of confidence is to make sure you’re eating right. Replace unhealthy snacks like chips with healthier options like a fruit and nut mix.

Try and set a schedule for yourself as well. Plan out two cheat meals every week, like going out with friends on Friday night or the family barbeque on Sunday. Once again, it’s all about consistency when it comes to eating. Your body and mind will thank you immediately for it!

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