The Ultimate Guide to Balancing Work-Life

As we approach National Work Life Week on October 7th and World Mental Health Day a few days later on the 10th, it’s a timely reminder to reassess how we balance our professional and personal lives.

In today’s fast-paced world, achieving a harmonious work-life balance is more crucial than ever. In fact, a recent survey revealed that 31% of UK employees find it difficult to maintain a healthy work-life balance, with a further 88% of UK brits experiencing burnout between 2023 and 2021.

Whether you’re working from home or commuting to the office, here are seven practical tips that will help you maintain equilibrium and reduce stress:

Set Clear Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. Designate specific work hours and stick to them, avoiding the temptation to check emails or take work calls outside of these hours. Focus@Will provides productivity-boosting music designed to help you concentrate better and create a focused work environment
Eat Well and Stay Energised: Maintaining a balanced diet is essential for sustaining energy levels and focus throughout your workday. Use meal planning services like Mindful Chef to receive nutritious, pre-portioned ingredients and recipes. Planning your meals ahead can also help avoid last-minute unhealthy choices and ensure you’re fueling your body with the right nutrients to support your productivity and well-being
Stay on top of your finances: As the Self Assessment deadline approaches in the New Year, staying on top of your finances is essential. Utilise QuickBooks to keep your financial records organised and up-to-date. This includes tracking expenses, generating reports, and setting reminders for tax deadlines. By managing your finances efficiently, you can minimise last-minute stress and ensure you’re well-prepared for the deadline
Prioritise Tasks: Use tools like task managers or to-do lists to prioritise your work tasks. Focus on completing high-priority tasks first to reduce stress and avoid last-minute rushes. Trello allows you to create boards and cards to organise tasks visually, making it easier to prioritise and manage workload
Take Regular Breaks: Schedule short breaks throughout your workday to recharge. Even a five-minute walk or a quick stretch can significantly boost your productivity and overall well-being. Apps like Happify provide science-based activities and games designed to improve emotional well-being and reduce stress. It encourages users to take breaks and engage in activities that enhance mental health
Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness or relaxation techniques into your daily routine. Practices such as meditation or deep breathing can help you manage stress and stay focused. Using the likes of Headspace and Calm offers guided meditation and mindfulness exercises that can be incorporated into break
Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for support when needed. From engaging with a registered accountant to help with finances (find one here) or seeking help from family members, ensuring you’re delegating appropriate tasks to share the load can alleviate pressure and contribute to a more balanced life