It can be challenging to effectively manage professional and personal life, which makes work-life balance an essential topic of discussion. According to several statistical reports, over 60 percent of employees in the United States have an unhealthy work-life balance.
Also, the increase in remote work due to the covid-19 appears to increase the imbalance between work and personal life for most adults worldwide.
So the question becomes, “how can people improve their work-life balance when they have so much in their lives?” This blog post will enlighten you on all you should know about balancing professional and personal life and why you should.
What is work-life balance, and why is it significant?
Work-life balance refers to the state of equilibrium between professional and personal life. It is the state of balance where we reasonably meet the demands of our jobs and still enjoy some private time outside work.
As cliche as it sounds, “too much of everything is bad”. Although most people struggle with accepting it, too much work can have some debilitating effects on our quality of life. Therefore, when work dominates all aspects of living, a healthy work-life balance becomes an effective way to deal with stress.
Balancing professional and personal life is vital for maintaining excellent physical and emotional well-being and improving mental health. So, such balance is akin to consuming a balanced diet to maintain optimal bodily functions.
What causes poor work-life balance?
Generally, the need to succeed professionally pushes most people into a workaholic lifestyle. However, most people with an unhealthy work-life balance are oblivious that a healthy work-life balance improves professional performance. Essentially, balancing work and personal life is critical for career success.
Here are some of the reasons disrupting the balance between work and life for most people:
- Additional responsibilities at work, like a promotion
- Other domestic duties like childcare
- Working extra hours due to financial constrains
- Remote working.
What happens when you have a disrupted work-life balance?
A disrupted work-life balance is more physically and emotionally damaging than missing out on regular exercise. Additionally, such individuals are prone to higher stress levels and professional inadequacy due to burnout.
Here are some negative effects on your life when there is an imbalance between professional and personal life:
- A weak immune system due to higher levels of stress
- Increased fatigue and exhaustion
- Increased risk of heart attack and stroke
- Excessive weight loss
- High blood pressure
- Loss of concentration
- Decreased sex drive, etc.
Here is how you know that you could be dealing with a whack work-life balance:
- Chronic work obsession and working overtime
- Chronic backache and body pains
- Irritability and social anxiety in extreme conditions
- Dysfunctional relationships
- Disorganized personal and professional space
Benefits of an improved work-life balance
Here are a few benefits you enjoy when you begin to balance work and personal life:
- Increased productivity at work
- Increased concentration and mindfulness
- Better physical, emotional and mental wellness
- Higher self-esteem and motivation
- Lower stress levels
- Higher energy
What are some effective wayds to improve your work-life balance?
Balancing professional and personal life has no ultimate formula as everyone and every work is unique. However, a little attention to detail, creativity, and commitment to striking this balance will do the magic. Additionally, you might require some introspection to enable you critically examine your situation and discover what works better for you.
Here is a list of methods you can employ to restore the balance between professional and personal life:
- Master the art of saying “no” without being rude.
- Reduce perfectionism
- Utilize your lunch break at work
- Create adequate time for exercise and leisure
- Spend time with family and loved ones
- Ask your boss for some flexibility with your work schedule
- Embrace remote working with caution.
Final Thoughts
Balancing professional and personal life is no easy feat, especially when so much is happening. However, it is best not to stress over it. Instead, you should take baby steps to restore the balance you desire. If you find it difficult to establish this balance, you can contact us for a session to balance things out.