Technology makes workers accessible around the clock like never before, and as a result, people work longer hours. According to Forbes, 94% of working professionals are working more than 50 hours per week, and nearly half of these people said they work more than 65 hours a week. Work-life balance, an increasingly relevant term, has become so important because it’s becoming more difficult to attain. The never-ending work day can lead to unhappiness, dissatisfaction, and even health problems. Here are some ways that you can better grasp a positive work-life balance.
- Free time doesn’t always mean available time
While technology has made it easier to stay in touch and even to work remotely, it also creates the feeling that you need to be available at all times. But this should not be the case. When spending time with friends and family, don’t check work emails or texts. According to Robert Brooks, a professor at Harvard Medical School, receiving work updates and emails from home not only interrupt your free time, but it also brings work stress into your home life. Set boundaries for yourself, and then work hard to maintain those boundaries, even if it seems difficult at first.
- Clear your mind
Finding a relaxing hobby or exercise routine will help clear your mind after a long work day. Meditation or breathing exercises are also simple ways to help maintain a personal sense of calm. After you’ve turned off the updates on your phone (see tip #1), take a few minutes to sit still or go for a walk around the neighborhood. If you’re interested in meditating, The Meditation Podcast is a great resource for beginners!
- Work with a staffing firm!
If you are looking for a job and want to maintain your work-life balance, try working with a staffing firm. An employment agency will allow you to set your own schedule while determine what direction you would like to take with your career. Working with a staffing firm allows you the flexibility to make decisions about how you want your work-life balance to look, which, for many people, changes over time.
There are many ways to establish a work-life balance, and everyone’s go-to way of destressing is incredibly different. At Staffers, we want you to find a work-life balance that suits your personal needs. If you are looking for a job or looking to hire, call Staffers today.