How to Maintain a Work-Life balance

Work-Life Balance seems like an impossible task these days. With the advent of remote work, the lines between work and personal time have become blurred. We're all expected to be available around the clock, even if we don't get paid for that time. So how can you keep your sanity in a 24/7 world? Here are some tips we've found helpful for maintaining a productive, healthy work-life balance:

1. Set your schedule and stick to it.

• Set your schedule and stick to it.
• Schedule work, family, and social activities.
• Schedule time for yourself. Time to do what you want, when you want, even if that means watching TV or playing video games all day long—as long as it doesn't interfere with the rest of your schedule!
• If possible, set aside some time specifically for relaxation; this is an important part of any balanced life. Just remember not to spend too much time relaxing because then you won't get anything else done!

2. Ask for help when you need it

One of the best ways to maintain a healthy work-life balance is to ask for help when you need it. Asking for help does not mean that you are weak or incapable; rather, it shows that you are aware of your limitations and are willing to do what’s necessary in order to get things done well.

You can ask for help from your manager, co-workers, and family members—and don't hesitate to enlist the aid of friends or family if needed! When people know that they're needed at work, they can contribute their talents in a meaningful way, resulting in greater job satisfaction overall.

3. Plan your vacation in advance

Vacation days are important. We all know that, but sometimes it’s hard to take the time off we need. It can be difficult to find a balance between work and life, especially when you’re close to a deadline or have several projects going at once. However, if you want to maintain a healthy work-life balance, taking vacation days is essential!

When asking for time off from your boss or manager:

• Make sure you give plenty of notice when requesting time off—at least two weeks is recommended
• Be prepared with an alternative plan if your request gets denied 

4. Learn how to prioritize.

You may think you’re an exceptional multitasker, but the truth is that your brain can only focus on one thing at a time. While it might seem like making a list and crossing off each task as you go would be a good way to manage your workload and goals, that method actually leads to stress.

Trying to do too many things at once means that each thing will suffer in quality or completion. By prioritizing what needs to get done first, then second, and so on (and only taking on one priority at a time), you can avoid this problem entirely and make sure all of your tasks are completed with care and attention.

5. Learn to communicate effectively.

There is always too much to do and never enough time to do it. That's why learning how to prioritize your daily tasks is so important. There may be times when you get some extra work, but before you decide about it, you need to analyze the situation and the priority of that work. After doing that, communicate your concerns. For example, if your boss is telling you to create a presentation for a client meeting while you still have to finish your daily tasks, ask him if the presentation is the priority or your other tasks.

Making sure you are clear on what the priorities are will help you get your work done more efficiently and prevent any unnecessary stress.

6. Make sure you enjoy your work.

It's important to make sure you have time for yourself in order to maintain a good work-life balance. You need to take some time off and relax, otherwise, you'll burn out and lose sight of what's important. Make sure you have time every day or week where you can do something just for fun—whether it's going out with friends or taking a long bath. It doesn't matter what it is as long as it gives your mind a break from the stresses of life; this will help recharge your batteries so that when it comes time for work again, you'll be ready! At the same time, you won’t be able to relax until your work is fully completed. Make sure you have delivered all your commitments and now you can sit back and relax without worrying about the work that’s pending.

7. It's imperative to be healthy!

Taking breaks and taking time for yourself outside of work is one of the most important things you can do to maintain a healthy work-life balance. You should not just be working all the time, but you also need to make sure that you have fun and relax, as well as spend quality time with your family. Make sure that you take breaks when needed because sometimes it is good to step away from a project and come back later with fresh eyes or take some time off so that your mind doesn't get burned out by thinking about the same thing repeatedly. Even though it is important to take breaks, make sure your breaks are not interrupting your workflow.

Written by Rutuja Kawade