According to Mental Health America, one in four Americans describes themselves as “super stressed,” what with juggling a busy schedule and trying to keep up with their social lives and hobbies. As such, a healthy work-life balance is barely achieved, and many fall into mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
Sleep deprivation is also a significant issue. Roughly a third of Americans are sleep-deprived, and it kills their productivity, costing the U.S. economy around $63.2 billion yearly. Ironically, Americans are not sleeping enough to get more work done.
So if you relate with the struggle of achieving a healthy work-life balance, we’ve prepared a well-being checklist for you, which may help you manage your time better, and let you enjoy life while staying on top of your game at work.
Staying Efficient and Productive
If you work in the medical field, for example, you likely work at ungodly hours on certain days and keep track of multiple appointments. A pediatric dentist who treats plenty of kids every day always ascertains that they’re getting their records right before contacting a top space maintainers lab for a specific patient. Various specialists, on the other hand, never stop updating their knowledge about new emerging health issues to ensure that they’re providing the right treatment for their patients.
And of course, professionals in other industries can just be as busy. With a promising career ahead of them, they may feel guilty about forgetting work for a second to make time for their hobbies.
But to stay efficient and productive, taking breaks is essential. The trick is to set manageable goals each day. Weigh your priorities and accomplish one at a time. When faced with a major project, divide it into smaller tasks, and likewise, complete one task at a time. Listen to your favorite music as you work; it can lower your blood pressure, helping you relax and concentrate better.
Ask if you can have a flexible work schedule. That can let you make up for your lost sleep. Moreover, employees with flexible schedules are found to be more productive.
When you’re getting overwhelmed, communicate it with your colleagues or your boss, being careful not to complain. Instead, be open for their advice, and try to see things from their perspective. If the situation becomes tense, back off before you lose your temper.
Maintaining Your Social Life
There’s no need for grand gestures to make it up to your friends and family. They will appreciate even just a simple meal together. If a specific task can be pushed aside for the meantime, do it and be in the moment as you hang out with your loved ones. Watch a movie, make dinner, or do chores.
If a particular project further impedes your social life, don’t be afraid to turn it down; you can always have more amazing projects later. On the contrary, if a social engagement may cause you to lag on a crucial ongoing project, don’t be afraid to say no as well.
The Ultimate Checklist
To sum it all up, here’s your ultimate well-being checklist:
- Get seven to nine hours of sleep.
- Take short breaks now and then.
- Don’t over-commit — learn when to say “no.”
- Exercise. Go to the gym or just take a walk at lwounch.
- Eat healthily. Don’t rely on alcohol and smoking to ease your stress.
- Unplug from time to time.
- Avoid multitasking.
- Nourish your soul. Make time for your passion to take care of your mental health.
- Get support. If your job is taking a toll on your mental health, seek therapy.
Remember — your position in your workplace is replaceable, so don’t let your life revolve around it. See the world around you, and realize that you can achieve so much more when you enjoy life.
