How to Strike an Effective Work-Life Balance
Feeling burnt out at work lately? You’re not alone. In 2017, three out of five employees reported experiencing mental health issues within the last year due to stress at work (Mental Health at Work Report, 2017). It’s important to take the time to relax and recharge so that you can continue to put your best foot forward when you’re at the office. A few strategies that can help you improve your work-life balance include:
Take Time for Yourself: Turn off your work email and notifications and make time for what’s important to you, whether that’s grabbing dinner with a friend, pursuing a hobby or getting some exercise for those much-needed endorphins.
Create End-of-Day Habits: Develop a ritual that you can follow upon leaving work each day to help you “flip the switch” from work life to home life. Activities can include tidying up your desk, putting together a list of to-dos for the next day or reflecting on the day – what went well, what could have gone better, what are you proud of?
Get Support: Ask for help if your work stress is taking a toll on your wellbeing. Reach out to a trusted colleague, friend or family member to share your feelings and struggles. If you feel like you could benefit from mental health counseling, see if your employer offers an EAP or another confidential service, which could be available at no cost to you.