Finding work-life balance and avoiding burnout

We all wish we could have it all sometimes. We want to work harder to make more money, but that extra cash doesn’t mean much if we have to neglect our personal life and our loved ones to get it. The struggle is real!

Sometimes, it feels like we have to be in two (or maybe more) places just to keep up with work and life: someone has to stay late at the office to meet tomorrow’s deadline. Or someone needs to pick up the kids from soccer practice and then cook dinner, but all you want to do is spend a night with Netflix and a box of chocolates.

Finding the right equilibrium between our professional and personal lives is a constant battle, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer out there (trust us, we’ve looked).

But here are a couple of tips that might help you as you try to maintain a thriving business while tending to family and friends:

Set boundaries for yourself and your coworkers.

Sometimes there is a lot of pressure, from ourselves or others, to always be available, especially with email, phones, and social media putting us just a few swipes away from working. But it’s important to have a routine and regular hours to set healthy boundaries between your work and your personal life. Consider not checking your work email when you’re out of the office, or even having separate devices for work and personal use, so that you’re not working late into the night or on your days off. Let your coworkers know when you’ll be accessible to be sure they know and respect your boundaries.

Make time for yourself and your loved ones.

Just as you plan ahead and set schedules for your workday, be deliberate about making time for yourself, your friends, and your family. If you have time to pursue your hobbies and spend time with your loved ones, they’re less likely to fall by the wayside, even if work gets hectic. Mark dates and family events on your calendar (yes, even if you live with them). Schedules might not seem very romantic, but they can help ensure you’re spending time doing what counts.

Take a break.

It may feel like you have to constantly keep working to get ahead. But taking breaks is essential to avoid burnout and continue to be motivated. Make sure to take yearly vacations or book a few days off every few months. This is not a sign of weakness but a great way to keep your creative work-brain sharp and gain some extra perspective. We think when you head back to the office, you’ll feel more refreshed than ever.

Make work balance a priority.

Of course, your work is important to you. You should have short-term and long-term goals and focus on your career success. However, don’t just focus on your work. Make sure to have realistic work goals and life goals. Make it a goal to balance work more appropriately. Only when you make it a priority, will you be able to efficiently implement the changes.

Try to add a few of these habits to your work life this year. Ultimately, a more rested, more balanced you means a higher outcome at work and career longevity.