Strategies for a Balanced Lifestyle
Why is it that some people seem to be able to leave work off their minds when they finish up for the day and others don’t? Why do some people struggle less to prioritize themselves and spend less time with task-jumping? There are certain strategies you can apply too, to structure your workday and set yourself up for a more relaxed time after you close your work laptop for the day.
Time to finish and set up
One way to really help yourself when it comes to work-life balance is to have a clear idea of what to do and strong boundaries on when to do it. One strategy that can help you with both of these goals is to set aside (or keep free) ten to twenty minutes at the end of the workday to finalise tasks and write down a rough list of your to-do’s for the next day. This small window might be the difference to feeling like you “better do it now, or I’ll forget” which often leads to working beyond your usual work hours. It will also allow you to start more smoothly the next day, because you have already figured out what to prioritise when you start in the morning.
This idea doesn’t sound very revolutionary, but to many it ends up completely changing their word day. Additionally, it often makes it easier for individuals to stop thinking so much about work outside of their work hours. Final tip: If you consistently notice that tasks on your to-do list for the day don’t end up done by the end of the day, ask yourself why that is. Are you being realistic with what you are able to do in a day? Do you procrastinate some particular tasks? Why is that? Rather than judging yourself and doing the same mistakes tomorrow, be a bit curious and see if a different approach will lead to success.
Out of sight, out of mind
Notifications on our phones and on our computers are great when we need to be reminded or made aware of tasks or communications; outside of work hours they should be minimised. Our brains are funny like that in that they don’t distinguish between the notifications during work hours and in our freetime. You can help your brain to more effectively “switch” into freetime-mode by disabling notifications and maybe even place your work tools completely out of sight. If you are worried you’d forget something important that needs to be done tomorrow, have a simple notepad closeby (i.e. on your desk) to jot down thoughts as a reminder you can look at tomorrow.
Build an after-work routine
Speaking of “freetime-mode”: What do you do when you are done with work? Something I often talk about with my clients is the struggle to not fall into bed or onto the couch for the rest of the evening after work hours. Often, hours of mindless scrolling on the phone leaves my clients feeling sluggish and annoyed with themselves for “wasting” their freetime. Chances are, you feel similar.
Instead do this: Come up with a self-compassionate plan on what you do when you finish work. This is especially useful for those of us who work from home, as we often notice the lack of a commute to help us move from a work- into freetime mindset.
Here is an example how this could look like:
1)When I finish my workday I take a few minutes to plan the next workday.
2)Then I close my laptop and put it into the desk drawer.
3)After that I stand up and don’t sit down before I have decided what I want to do next.
I don’t allow myself to sit on the couch or lay down on my bed before I have made a conscious decision on what I want to do. Some days this means I’ll immediately put on my shoes and go for a walk, on others it means I set a timer and allow myself to scroll on my phone for a limited time to decompress. Neither of these options is superior to another, when they are guided by self-compassion and prioritisation of my well-being.
Some people benefit from having a snack after work, others need a nap. It doesn’t matter what your routine looks like, as long as it supports you and your long-term wellbeing.
Where is your Unicorn space?
The concept of unicorn space is a fairly new name for an old concept. It’s the idea to keep space for passion and fun projects that don’t aim to achieve anything but your personal joy. How does this type of activity find space in your life? Do you know what would be a good project or hobby to fill up that space? I recommend that you think about activities, interests or causes that could be suitable for you.
You might want to argue back “I barely have time for the things I need to do. How ever should I find time for things I want to do?” That is a legitimate question and I completely understand the difficulty.
The problem with most to-do’s is that a new to-do will appear the moment you complete one. So mostly, they never really end. What ends up happening is that we don’t get to live if we always postpone our pleasure to when “the work is done”. Assume, the work will never be done and find space for joy regardless. You might find that your daily life becomes more joyful, more manageable even.
Here is your “homework”: Take some time to reflect on your interests, passions and activities that would bring you joy. Once you know what you want to do, it is easier to figure out a way to incorporate it in your life. Here are some ideas for your unicorn space: A political or other cause you want to support more, getting more into a creative or intellectual activity such as reading, writing or crafting. Sometimes even making the decision to spend more time trying new things or exploring your place of home can start feeling like your life is getting more exciting and fun.
I hope that I am leaving you some ideas on how you can create a better “work-life balance” for yourself and ultimately get a bit closer to a happy and fulfilling life. I often work on similar topics with my clients and aim to support them on their journey with my individualised approach that picks you up wherever you are on it.
Phote by Thought Catalog on Unsplash
Margaretha Madoures 