Many people have experienced the overwhelming feeling of never-ending to-do lists and the pressure to get everything done. In today's society, overworking oneself has become the norm, resulting in high levels of stress and burnout. The consequences of overworking can have an impact on one's mental health, making it crucial to establish a healthier work-life balance. By implementing strategic planning and creating space between deadlines, individuals can have the time to rest and recharge, allowing them to achieve a better quality of life – and we’ll give you some pointers!
Set realistic goals and expectations for yourself
As much as we would love to be superhuman, it's important to recognize our limitations. When it comes to creating a healthier work-life balance, it's easy to fall into the trap of pushing ourselves too hard and expecting too much from ourselves. This approach often leads to burnout and a sense of failure. Insideout Mastery states:
“The goal of setting goals is to define a clear direction that inspires you into action. Realistic goals help you to do that. Unrealistic ones do quite the opposite and can lead to disappointment,
procrastination, and frustration.” (Read 5 Reasons Why You Should Set Realistic Goals).
By simply breaking large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones and celebrating each small victory along the way, you can earn that small victory. Try this to achieve a healthier relationship with not only your work-life balance, but yourself and what you can accomplish each day!
Make an effort to disconnect from work during your off-hours
Ever since the pandemic, it has become easier than ever to bring work home with us. Remote work has allowed us to login and be productive from the comfort of our own homes, but it has also made it increasingly difficult to disconnect from work during our off-hours. This study shows that 86% of remote workers are experiencing burnout at their current jobs:
Figure 1: 25 Crucial Remote Work Burnout Statistics | Zippia
It can be tempting to check emails and respond to messages after-hours, but it's important to create a healthier work-life balance by making an effort to disconnect. A clear separation between work and personal time can reduce stress, improve mental health, and increase productivity when we are on the clock. So next time you're tempted to respond to work emails during your “me” time, remember to make a conscious effort to fully disconnect and recharge.
Take breaks throughout the day
Taking breaks throughout the day may seem counterintuitive to getting work done, but it can actually lead to increased productivity and a better work-life balance. It's important to take short breaks every couple of hours to rest your mind and body, especially if you have a job that requires sitting for extended periods of time. Taking a quick walk around the office or even stepping outside for some fresh air can clear your head and help you come back to your work refreshed and focused. Additionally, if you’re able to, you can take a longer lunch break or step away from work altogether during scheduled breaks. Remember, working smarter means taking care of yourself so you’re able to get work done!
Last Updated: April 2023
Publisher’s Note:
This article has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call the Mental Health Crisis Hotline at 988.
Key References:
McCain, A. (2023, February 26). Percentage of workers who feel burnout [General remote
burnout statistics]. Retrieved from https://www.zippia.com/advice/remote-work-burnout-statistics/
Mick. (2022, July 8). Why is it important to set realistic goals? 5 powerful reasons [Web log
post]. Retrieved from https://insideoutmastery.com/set-realistic-goals/
Mindful Life Services. (2023). Therapy | Mindful life services. Retrieved from
https://www.mindfullifeservices.com/therapy