5 Secrets to Achieving Work-Life Balance

How do you achieve work-life balance?

1.  Learn how to detach yourself from your work and know your limitations; say no when the cannot accept more responsibilities.

2. Define the work boundaries in your contract and stick by it.

3. Cut off all distractions at work so you can get your tasks done within the day.

4. Respect your time away from work as well as the break hours; do whatever you want to do during this time.

5. Maintain a good relationship with your team; foster an environment in which you all help each other out.

For many, achieving a proper work-life balance can be a real challenge. While the prospect of just quitting your job altogether and spending the rest of your days bumming out may seem like a seductive prospect, there’s an equal argument to be made for working hard and achieving a high position in one’s career.

While the two may seem irreconcilable, there’s a middle ground. For some people, that means working from home, working part-time, or working in a coworking space in Manila. That way, you can maintain your relationships with the ones you love while still trying to reach the top of the professional food chain.

That’s easier said than done though, so here our more of our tips on maintaining a healthy work-life balance:

Learn Detachment

Especially when you’re passionate about your job, it’s hard to learn when to let go of certain things. Maybe it’s the drive to be great that makes you try to be perfect and be everything to everyone in your career. But doing so will only ensure that you will fail at it because no one can please everyone. Instead, learn when to say “no”; especially when you already have a lot on your plate and not everything matters.

Life is too short to spend it things that just waste your time. So, cut off all the things that are unnecessarily stressing you out and stopping you from achieving your dreams. Have a little faith and trust that it’s okay to let some things go: some friendships, responsibilities, and even jobs. You will feel free and more capable to doing the things you truly want to do.

Define Your Work Boundaries

Whether you are an employer or an employee, it is important that you both set the limitations in which it is mandatory for someone to work as well as the scope of responsibilities. This way there is no way you can abuse or be abused regarding the work done for the company. Remember that the terms in the contract were made to protect both the employer and employee.

So at the start of the contract, these terms must be clearly defined and agreed upon before signing. But if any term is broken in the middle of the contract, then this must be gently brought up to avoid any abuse. This will help to promote a just and healthy work environment. Just remember to respect yourself and those around you and no one will work around the clock.

Prioritize Your Tasks

When the day is over, look at how well you did. Were there times you were unproductive? What happened in those times? Did you end up chatting with an officemate for a little too long?  Or did you get distracted by something else?

Think on it well, and try to analyze. If you can pinpoint anything that slowed down your progress at work, then cut them off or, at least, lessen them. This will help you to do your tasks faster so that you don’t need to overtime. After all, you have the right to clock out on time when everything is done. You’ll also be able to rest better knowing that you don’t have to catch up on anything the next day.

Me, Me, Me

Be selfish. That’s right. When you’re on your break be selfish and do whatever you need to do to relax and re-energize. In order for you to perform at your best, you mustn’t be burned out in the middle of the day. Maybe you need to nap or take a break in the comfortable bean bags of your coworking space in Manila. Do whatever you need to be happy and focused while at work.

Outside of work, do everything you need to do. If you did the previous item about setting boundaries, then you should not be bothered by work in your recreational time. So don’t give up going to the gym, playing games, making music, etc. for the sake of work. You need these to balance your life so that you’re not too overwhelmed with office duties.

Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help

The importance of a good environment cannot be stressed enough. You need people to help you lift the weight of your problems. Whether it’s physical, mental, or emotional, asking for help will alleviate your stress.

Don’t be have too much pride to ask. The mere act of asking – and not demanding – is a friendly gesture. If someone can help, then he will. But if he’s too busy, then he will kindly say that he cannot. However, it’s very important as well that the person you ask help from cares about you and vice versa. Otherwise he may not be so willing to do so. This is why maintaining a good team environment at work is important. In such an environment, a helping hand is just a call away. Just be sure you’re willing to do the same for them.

Key Takeaway

Achieving a work-life balance is all about respect. Respect for your work, your colleagues and yourself will help you to clearly define when to work hard and when to relax. Such a balance is what you need in order to enjoy life to the fullest.