We hear a lot about the importance of achieving a good work\/life balance.\u00a0 Often it is a conversation directed at or about women in the workplace, but in reality, applies across the board.\u00a0 COVID-19 and working from home has turned up the volume on the conversation as people have reassessed what really matters.<\/p>\n
So, after x number of years in the professional workforce, I can assure you the need for balance is real.\u00a0 Here are my top tips for achieving it:<\/p>\n
I am obviously just joking.\u00a0 It is all the things above that add the colour to our lives.<\/p>\n
Achieving a good work life balance is not a destination, a \u201cjob done\u201d and move on. It is an ongoing process. As circumstances arise and change, you will have to adjust.\u00a0 And sometimes things get out of balance.\u00a0 If everything was always balanced and you always said \u201cno\u201d to a difficult work challenge or promotion, then life would be very \u201cbeige\u201d. Taking on new things and stretching yourself is how you grow and learn.\u00a0 Remember you just can\u2019t stretch yourself all the time.<\/p>\n
The biggest thing is to forgive yourself if you don\u2019t always get it right! At certain times balance will be impossible to achieve \u2013 when you have deadlines, or a crisis at work, or when there something in your private life which needs your full attention.<\/p>\n
Most of us can cope with some more intense periods as long as they do not go on indefinitely.<\/p>\n
But it is during the stressful times that you will have to be more deliberate about your priorities.<\/p>\n
Work out what are the non-negotiables for you, to keep you healthy and on track. Try to ensure you find a way to make those times happen \u2013 even in an abbreviated form – and let the less important things slide temporarily. Maybe it is daily exercise, or meditation, reading a book or spending time with friends.\u00a0 Whatever it is, make it a priority, schedule the time.<\/p>\n
Ask for help – explain to your partner\/housemate\/family\/boss\/colleagues\/kids\/your pet\/the universe \u2013 that you are busy right now and ask could they give you extra help during that period. This may not work \u2013 but at least you have asked rather than just being irritable. And there is a chance that some of the burden can be taken care of by someone else.<\/p>\n
For work and home jobs, define what the absolute deadlines are, and what can wait.<\/p>\n
Give yourself little victories \u2013 finish tasks rather than trying to do a little bit of everything.\u00a0 Enjoy the victories.<\/p>\n
Being a bookkeeper, I have my own way of visualising my efforts at achieving the balance. This is not my original idea, but it works for me. I see the different parts of a balanced life as different \u201cAccounts\u201d. You need to put investments of time and effort into all these accounts, but you don\u2019t have to invest the same amount in each one all the time.<\/p>\n
My accounts are exercise, friends, healthy food, challenging & interesting job, family, intellectual activity, relaxation\/change of scene. \u00a0So going for a walk with a friend ticks two boxes at once!<\/p>\n
So, my real tips are simple:<\/p>\n