5 Ways to Better Your Work-Life Balance
With Labor Day just around the corner, it’s time to bid adieu to summer. Labor Day is more than just an extra day off work, it’s important to keep front of mind what Labor Day is really meant to celebrate. In addition to recognizing the hard work of our labor force, we’ll also explore five ways to improve your work-life balance. After all, there’s so much more in life to enjoy than just our careers.
Why Do We Celebrate Labor Day?
The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Sept. 5, 1882, in New York City. The Labor Day holiday was created in accordance with the Central Labor Union to celebrate workers' contributions to the well-being of our country and its economy. President Grover Cleveland signed a law to make Labor Day a national holiday on June 28, 1894.1 Since then, the first Monday in September is dedicated to the hard work and achievements of the American workers.
Improving Your Work-Life Balance
We all know how it feels to be overwhelmed by work, and sometimes it can seem like it’s taking over your entire life. This is especially true if you own a small business or work from home. In those cases, it’s easy to feel pressured into making your job your everything. If you find that you’re working overtime and constantly thinking about work, it’s time to reevaluate your habits. It’s probably necessary to make adjustments allowing yourself to have a more balanced life.
Plan for Personal Time
Set aside some time for you to do something for yourself. Whether that means going on a hike, reading a book, or just unwinding by sitting on the sofa and watching a movie, do something small that makes you happy every single day. The impact of this can be huge.
Let Yourself Unplug
Stop checking work emails during all hours of the day. Instead, communicate with your colleagues and customers so they can know when you’ll be working and when you won’t be available to respond. Creating, communicating, and abiding by these boundaries is crucial when it comes to successfully maintaining a work-life balance. Take a few hours each day to shut off your phone and enjoy the moment.
Prioritize Your Health
Keep yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy by taking steps to put your health first. Eat healthy meals (especially breakfast before work) sleep at least seven hours each night, and schedule time into your day to exercise and move your body. These practices will help you become more energized and productive while also boosting your immune system and overall mood. Running yourself ragged will only push you closer to burnout, which can be hard to recover from.
Invest in Relationships
Don’t let your work keep you from your loved ones. Plan quality time with your family and friends, even if you live with them. Make room in your schedule to see loved ones throughout the week, not just on the weekends.
Leave Work at Work
With some of us still working remotely, this is easier said than done. Wherever you spend your time working, make it a point to stick to your scheduled work hours and have a designated workspace. Making plans for shortly after your workday ends could help you transition from work mode to home mode and get on with the next activity.
Creating a work-life balance doesn’t just happen overnight. You need to gradually integrate these healthy habits into your life. Let yourself have fun, relax and prioritize yourself and your personal relationships. You may even see your work and productivity begin to benefit from these changes. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend and remember to prioritize your health and happiness this year.