By Eric Jay, CLC Work life balance can be difficult to achieve, especially in today’s fast-paced society where our jobs often demand more than we have time to give. The secret to improving your work life balance and achieving the perfect balance between your job and the rest of your life may seem as elusive as your next promotion, but it’s actually surprisingly simple. With these seven tips on how to improve your work life balance, you’ll soon see positive changes in your productivity at work and in your personal time outside of the office. 1) Establish your priorities The first step to achieving better work life balance is identifying your priorities. What’s important to you? What do you value most? Once you know what your priorities are, you can start making changes in your life to reflect those values. 2) Focus on Process, Not Outcome It can be easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and forget why you're working in the first place. By focusing on the process instead of the outcome, you can stay motivated and keep your eye on the prize. Here are a few tips to help you do just that. 3) Set up rules for yourself 1. First, take a close look at how you spend your time. Track where your time goes for a week or two. This will help you identify patterns and areas where you may be able to make some changes. 2. Make a list of your priorities. What is most important to you? Make sure that your actions reflect your priorities. 3. Set boundaries between work and the rest of your life. 4) Leave work at work One of the best ways to improve your work life balance is to simply leave work at work. This means not bringing work home with you, not checking work email after hours, and not thinking about work when you’re supposed to be relaxing. Of course, this is easier said than done, but it’s important to make a conscious effort to disconnect from work when you’re not on the clock. 5) Identify what is important to you Work life balance is important to me because it allows me to have time for the things that are important to me outside of work. It also helps me to be more productive at work, and less stressed overall. Here are seven tips that have helped me improve my work life balance 6) Take small steps forward You don't have to overhaul your entire life to achieve better work-life balance. Making small changes can have a big impact. For example, if you need more time for yourself in the evenings, try reducing the number of hours you work per day or the number of days you come into the office each week. Or, if you are feeling overwhelmed by your workload, take on less responsibility and use that time to focus on what's most important to you and your team. 7) Make small adjustments as necessary 1. Set realistic goals for yourself and your team. Trying to do too much in a day can lead to burnout. 2. Delegate tasks whenever possible. You don't have to do everything yourself! 3. Take breaks throughout the day, even if it's just for a few minutes. Get up and walk around, or step outside for some fresh air. 4. Unplug from work when you're not at the office.
