What is the distinction between “work” and “life”? In the midst of challenging times in our industry, some of us struggle to achieve a work-life balance. How much time per week is sufficient or excessive for work? Are we spending time away from the people we cherish? Is our health deteriorating because we do not exercise regularly? Are we depressed or anxious about the lack of business and its potential impact on our lives and families? Are we eating properly? Are we getting enough sleep?
In these difficult times, we must get up, go to work, and do our absolute best every day. However, there must also be a suitable amount of equilibrium for us to maintain our concentration and energy.
During working hours, we should work diligently while remaining focused and occupied. Devote your entire heart and mind to the task at hand. The position can be a parent, salesperson, executive, administrative assistant, independent contractor, or any other that requires concentration and engagement.
Similarly, we should approach our time away from work. Enjoy your time off, whether it’s a 15-minute break during the weekday or the time after work or on weekends and holidays. Work will be waiting for us when we return.
CELL PHONES AND OTHER ANCHORS
It is important to be connected to your business. Today more than ever clients and companies we work for and expect us to be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and 365 days a year. That is unreasonable and will result in burnout, resentment, or a loss of equity in our important personal relationships.
Connect during work hours and disconnect from work and work-related devices outside of work hours. There may be rare exceptions, but we should strive to make them as uncommon as possible.
DO SOMETHING FOR OURSELVES EVERY DAY
There is a time every day for us to stop working for a few minutes. I recommend you reflect, read, take a short nap, go for a walk, or spend time with or call a close friend or family member.
A few minutes of “you time” can go a long way toward making our work more productive and, consequently, our organisation more valuable.
EXERCISE AND DIET
Physical activity is vital for mental and physical health. Eating the right foods and working out at least three times per week for at least one hour (running, biking, elliptical, weight lifting, hiking, walking, tennis, yoga, etc.) will help us maintain our energy and concentration at work and at home.
Start slowly. One day of exercise per week for the first week, followed by two days per week for the second and third weeks. Start with one low-fat, high-protein meal per day and add one more per week until the majority of our diet consists of low-fat, high-protein foods, such as fruits and vegetables.
REST
When we are stressed or anxious about business and life it can cut into the quality and quantity of our sleep. Our bodies must rest and rejuvenate for the next day. Not everyone needs eight hours of sleep every night, but we all require a certain number of quality hours. Sleep deprivation can cause mental and physical health problems. Try turning off the outside world at night and focusing on reading or watching television to induce sleep.
TIME WELL SPENT WITH THOSE WE LOVE
Few things are as energising as spending time with the people with whom we have the most valuable relationships. Sharing laughter, experiences, travel, and time for reflection with “our people” can and will improve the quality of our lives as well as our job performance and outcomes.
In conclusion, achieving a work-life balance is an ongoing struggle. A suggestion is that we begin gradually and work towards the objective of living an extraordinary life at home and at work.
Work and life, a distinction so fine
One defines the other, a line so divine
Work is the striving, life is the drive
One gives purpose, the other provides
Work is the passion, life is the pleasure
One brings the future, the other the treasure
Work is the climbing, life is the fall
One points to success, the other to all
Work and life, a balance so true
One brings the other, it’s all up to you.