The working day is, for many of us, increasingly invading our home life. If any of the following apply to you, it could be time to start questioning whether you have a happy and healthy balance:
Your Phone is Never Off
Smart phones have revolutionised the way we work – but they do have a downside. It’s all too easy to ‘just check’ that latest email or Google that burning question. Make sure it’s off or turned to silent for a period of time each day, to give yourself a chance to relax or to give your full attention to your children. Make it a rule that calls and texts aren’t answered at mealtimes – this should apply to teenagers’ phones too.
You Never Take a Lunch Break
If this applies to you, step away from your desk right now. Go for a walk or swim. Sit in the park and read. Eating hunched over your keyboard while you check emails doesn’t count; give your eyes a complete screen break and stretch out – your afternoon will be more productive as a result.
You’re the Bottom of the Pile
It’s essential to create time for yourself that’s set in stone every week. Take up a new hobby or restart an old one. Pursuing something you’re passionate about will refresh and invigorate you and help keep work problems in perspective.
Facebook is Your Only Friend
You might think your 347 Facebook friends make you look popular but they don’t count if you never see them in real life. Make time each week to nurture friendships; set up a weekly cinema night with a group of friends or plan time on the weekend to phone a friend who lives further away.
You’re Not Getting Enough Sleep
Sleep is one of nature’s best medicines yet few of us get enough. The only way to crack this is to be really firm and stick to a set bedtime. Think about whether you’re an early bird or night owl and plan the time to suit your lifestyle. Turn your phone off half an hour earlier, start getting ready and have a little read before lights out – once you’re into a routine you’ll soon be looking forward to putting your PJs on!
We all experience different emotions and challenges but staying focused on sperating work from our social / family life is a very important factor towards creating a perfect work / life balance. More and more people are now working from home and starting their own business which is when getting that balance right because all so more important.
If you would like to learn more about starting your own business or working from home we would be glad to help you get started.
Kind Regards
ROY DERRICK
Tags: nine to five jobs, running a small business, smart phones, work life balance, Working From Home
