Welcome to the Harmony Shift where I help shift workers live happier, healthier lives. I accomplish this through energy, focus, meditation, journaling, and positivity. If you’re a shift worker, you’re in the right place. Today we will be talking about having that work-life balance. What does it mean? Why it’s important? What does an unhealthy work-life balance look like? I will discuss these and some other things to help you focus on what’s important and have you find your Harmony.
Are you feeling like all you do is work? Well, you’re not alone. Several statistics show that more than 60 percent of U.S. employees feel like their work-life balance is out of whack. But how do you balance your work-life when there is so much “work” happening at home? And how do you balance your workload to be more efficient?
We all know it’s more than just hitting a weekly yoga class. Most importantly, in a world where the boundaries between work and home are increasingly blurred, and getting worse, where do you draw the line? It can seem inevitable to feel overwhelmed and overworked. But it doesn’t have to be.
What does It Mean to Have Balance?
It basically means maintaining a harmonious relationship between your work and personal life. It involves consciously managing your time and energy to meet both professional and personal commitments while prioritizing self-care and well-being. But we all know this is easier said than done. In a perfect world, this way of thinking would allow you to spend quality time with your family and friends after work, while getting in that workout, a good book, and a relaxing bath……….Ok wake up now because we know that’s not reality!
So, what can you do to live in this “perfect” world? Well, I have a few tips for you to get started. There may be some others that you can think of or maybe you already do and that’s great! Keep up the good work.
One of the best things you can do to have that work-life balance is to set boundaries! Yes, with your job and your family. This consists of establishing clear boundaries and defining and separating specific work hours and work tasks from personal time and activities. This is more important now than ever with people still working from home after the pandemic.
The second most important thing to do is manage your time. Time management is all about prioritizing your tasks, organizing your calendar, make a list, plan, and accomplish. Own the day, or the day owns you! Look at Brendon Burchard’s YouTube channel. He has specific videos on time mgt., calendar organization, tasks, and motivation. There is something for everyone.
Another thing you can do to have that ultimate work-life balance is to be a little flexible. Having that ability to adapt and adjust your calendar or schedule will help you with stress, prioritizing, and unexpected things that come up throughout the day (or night).
Why is this Balance So Important?
Think of it like our diets or nutrition, to stay healthy and energized all day or night depending on your work schedule, people need variety. When it comes to a work-life balance, people need to engage in a variety of activities and rest. We all have fallen into the trap of believing that we can be productive all the time, every day of every week or that an eight-hour day at work equates to eight hours of output. However, that is hard, if not impossible. And for many individuals’ burnout sets in and it will all come to a halt! Plus, overworking has negative consequences for both employees and employers not to mention your health and wellbeing. Because for those who struggle to practice self-care find themselves at higher risk for burnout, fatigue, and stress-related health issues. This poor work-life balance can also leave employees working more hours but being less productive.
What Does an Unhealthy Work-Life Balance Look Like?
An unhealthy work-life balance occurs when work becomes overwhelming and takes priority over your personal life, leading to negative consequences. Some signs of an unhealthy work-life balance may include:
- Constantly working: Regularly working long hours, including weekends and holidays, without sufficient time for rest, relaxation.
- Neglected personal life: Sacrificing personal relationships, hobbies, and leisure activities.
- Burnout: Experiencing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion due to stress and work-related pressure.
- Lack of self-care: Failing to prioritize self-care activities, this includes exercise, sleep, and leisure time resulting in a decrease in physical and mental health.
- Strained relationships: Experiencing difficulties in maintaining healthy relationships with family, friends, and loved ones.
Just remember, that achieving a healthy work-life balance varies from person to person, depending on individual circumstances. It’s important to find a balance that works for you and promotes your overall well-being.
How to Improve Your Work-life Balance
There’s no magic pill that will fit everyone. And you may have to experiment with what time scale feels most relevant to you. Trying to find balance everyday may feel frustrating, but the balance may be easier to achieve if you look at it over a week or more.
The best way to determine the best balance for you is by learning to listen to your own body and mind.
Here are a few tips to have a good work-life balance:
Plan ahead, set blocks of time for tasks, try to end work at a certain time, have lunch with coworkers or friends, practice mindfulness, find a hobby or something you love outside of work, communicate with your boss (unless you are the boss), and work with a coach.
These are just a few ideas to think about. I am sure there are many more but at least this will get you started. Finding that sweet spot is hard for many, however with a little effort, I believe you can achieve that balance and be on your way to a better, healthier life.
Until next time,
Darren
Harmony Shift 