Posted on December 12, 2023 by Vargas Consulting and Wellness

When people ask for tips about a work life balance, they usually are looking for ways to reduce stress due to feeling overwhelmed at work and home. I don’t think it’s possible to have a separate work like from home life. I think when you are at home, you think about work and when you are at work, you think about home. For example, while at work, you may think about what your are making for dinner.

Being realistic about your days can help you control what your day is goint to look like. It’s great to be intentional about wanting to be more present in your days.

Here are a few examples of doing just that

• Set clear boundaries. Be clear about what you will and will not do during the day. For example, if you don’t work after a certain time because that’s family time, stick to it. If you are fine with working 1- 2 days overtime a week or a month, then report this to your managment and plan to work those days.
• Come up with a plan for your day. Some people are so busy that they feel they have no time for themselves. Well, change that. Consider this as an example: You wake up about 1 hour earlier than everyone in your home. You exercise, meditate, drink a cup of coffee or write in your journal. The purpose is to take some time for yourself before your day gets started. This way, you will feel more energized to take on the day.
• Write a to do list for the day on a sheet of paper or your calendar. I like starting this list in the morning or in the evening. This way, you are aware of what your day looks like and how to plan for it.
• While at work, do as much as you can from your do do list. Once your work day is over and you leave the office, cut your phone off. Your job can wait until the next day. Remember, you only have so many hours at home to cook dinner, relax, sleep and return to work. So, take the much needed time off so your body can recharge.
• When you leave your job, have a plan to do something such as going to they gym, meeting with a friend for dinner, going to the grocery store to pick up ingredients so you can go home and eat a meal. Look up receipes that you can make in under an hour. If you have extra food, plan to pack it for your lunch the next day.
• Buy back some of your time. If there are chores that need to be completed and you don’t have time, come up with a plan and have others do it. For example, pay a small business or young adult to deliver your groceries, wash clothing or clean in the home. Meal prep or hire someone to cook meals. Find babysitting services if you are a parent.
• Get out of the office during your work day. Use your breaks to take a walk. Use your lunch hour, to take yourself out for lunch.
• When you have a day off, don’t spend it cleaning. There are cleaning schedules where you commit to cleaning a little each day. This allows you to spend your time off relaxing or doing something fun the rest of the time. If you need more than a weekend, take a vacation or combine a few days with a weekend so you can sleep in, travel, read good books or engage in a hobby. Remember that you earned these days, so take them.