Feeling unfulfilled professionally? Personal life driving you to the tequila? Sounds like it’s time to make some changes. Start today with our 5 simple steps for improving the work life balance!
We each have different needs, challenges and outlooks, but by following these steps you can turn your future into something that looks a lot more pleasing to you.
As an added bonus, when you’re feeling happier, it tends to rub off on those around you as well. Win-win.
Making changes can be scary, whether big or small. But grab the bull by the horns, get ready for a better life and let’s get to it….
Step 1- Assess
The dynamics of work and home life change all the time, and the way you feel at the moment could be a million miles away from how you were feeling 6 months ago.
So the first step towards improving your work life balance is to take a good look at how things are right now.
At Work…
| Are you happy? Does your job fulfil you? Do you work with a good team? Do you have too much responsibility or not enough? Are your targets achievable? Do you foster healthy habits such as being active in the office and taking regular breaks? Is there room for you to grow and develop? |
At Home…
| Can you switch off from the job when you’re at home? Do you have enough time for friends and family? Do you have any time for you? Do you look forward to things like holidays, social events, activities with the kids? Do you eat well and exercise regularly? How are your sleep patterns? |
Really think about what’s making you happy or unhappy. Be brave, strip it down to the bare bones and be honest with yourself.
“A healthy work-life balance will mean different things to us all. It’s not so much about splitting your time 50/50 between work and leisure but making sure you feel fulfilled and content in both areas of your life.” (Rf Mental Health Foundation.)
Step 2 – Identify
The chances are you won’t be able to change everything that’s making you unhappy. There will be certain parts of your home or work life that you have little or no control over. Don’t waste your energy fretting about those.
Instead, identify and focus on the things that you can change. Whether that’s asking for a little more responsibility at work. Or adding an extra 300 steps to your daily target. Or cutting down your sugar intake. Or switching off your gadgets an hour before bed.
Making small changes can lead to significant improvements in different areas of your life.
Or perhaps you need to make bigger changes. Like finding a new job. Or ending a relationship. Or moving to a new area.
Making big changes takes a lot of guts, but with the right planning you can make the whole process a lot less stressful or scary.
Step 3 – Plan
Once you’ve identified the changes that you can make, the next step is to prioritise, organise and put a plan in place.
Maybe you need some additional training to be able to do the job better. Or perhaps you need to manage your time more effectively so you can hit your targets and finish work on time.
Or have you taken on too much at work and need to delegate more effectively to others?
Identify what you can do alone and what you need help and support with. Communicate your needs to your team and work together to put some new systems in place.
The same goes for your home life. If you need more help around the house from your partner and kids, speak to them and work out who can do what.
If you’re having trouble switching off from work, create a new routine which allows you to do so. (Guided meditation is a great way to chill and shake off the stress.)
Find out about local projects if you want to be a more active member of the community.
Decide on what changes you’re going to make, prioritise which you will tackle first then plan how you’re going to make it happen.
Step 4 – Commit
Once you’ve got your plans in place, make sure you commit to them. It’s very easy to slip back into comfortable habits, especially when your new routine takes you way out of your trusty comfort zone.
Making changes requires self-discipline. You need to stay focused on your end goal.
Be strong and visualise your situation improving. Think about the benefits to you and your family.
Stick to what you signed yourself up for mentally and emotionally.
Likewise, if your colleagues, boss, partner or kids aren’t keeping up their part of the deal, speak up.
Changes often require support from others, so get them back on track and keep that train a’rolling. It may seem difficult at first, but keep at it. It will get easier and it will be worth the effort.
Step 5 – Review
By following steps 1 to 4, you’ll be well on your way to improving your work life balance. You may need to make some adjustments along the way, so go ahead.
If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to look for new ways to make things happen.
But once your plan’s in place, you should begin to see and feel improvements professionally and personally.
It’s likely to have a positive effect on those around you as well – both at work and at home.
But your plan isn’t a forever plan. It’s for your next steps. It’s not the end of the story.
Expect the unexpected in this crazy ride we call life. As you face new challenges, you’ll need to reassess and review. You’ll know when. And now you know what to do!
Final Thoughts on Improving the Work Life Balance
If you’re dissatisfied and unhappy with your personal or professional life, it could be time to make some changes. Here’s a reminder of our 5 simple steps for improving the work life balance :
- Assess where you are right now. What’s making you happy or unhappy. Think about what you would like to change.
- Identify which areas of your life it’s possible to change and focus on them. Don’t stress about the rest.
- Put your plan together. Prioritise which challenges you’re going to tackle first and get some new systems in place.
- Commit to your plan. Make it happen and make sure those around you are keeping their end of the deal.
- Remember to review and reassess as needed. When life throws you a curveball you may need to change track completely. Go back to the drawing board and take it a step at a time.
Find out more about Work Life Balance from the Mental Health Foundation.
We’d love to hear from you. What steps have you taken to improve the work life balance? Have you faced opposition from co-workers or family when making changes? How do you know when it’s time to reassess? Drop us a comment in the box below or email jane@standingdeskuk.com.
Working from home? Check out our Top Tips for a Great Home Office Set Up.
