Keeping Your Sanity: 5 Ways to Create Work-Life Balance

How workaholic are you? When you're used to an old routine — going on overtime, using your phone for hours, sleep, eat, repeat — it can be difficult to break this. You need a life outside of your work. Below are some of our helpful tips. 

Unplug

Technology can be a good thing, but too much of it can disrupt our lives. Make time each week to unplug — don't use your phone to read work updates or do social media. Avoid using your phone whenever you spend time with your family or even with friends. You'll notice a sense of control when you decide to detach yourself from technology. True, it makes our lives a lot easier, but it's never good to always rely on it. 

When you unplug, you make genuine quality time with yourself and the people you love. Make this a habit, and you'll notice some positive change in your life. You will no longer feel constantly stressed out about work or personal issues. By learning to unplug, you can gain control of your life again. 

Stay Active

Brisk walking, doing cardio, aerobics, or any physical activity is beneficial. It can instantly lift your mood and give you an energy boost. Commit to a few minutes each day to do cardio exercise; it doesn't have to be strenuous. Brisk walking or jogging would do. During weekends, consider inviting your friends over for badminton or any game you'd like to play. If they're not available, hit the gym. 

Apart from exercising, find some time to quiet your mind through meditation. Meditative exercise can greatly improve your mood and calm you down. 

Start Small

You don't have to force yourself to get it right the first time. Accept that you may make mistakes, or you may switch back to your old routine. Acknowledge this and start small. Baby steps. Take it one day at a time. If you're so workaholic and do overtime for more than 3 hours each day, consider cutting this down to just 2 hours. And start from there. 

Always Make Time for Yourself

Make it a habit to take at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted time all to yourself. You don't even have to do something. Stop what you are doing, don't use your phone, and relax. If you feel like treating yourself, eat that comfort food. Go to the movies or travel alone. All these are good for you.

Know When to Seek Help

If you're really struggling to balance life and work, don't hesitate to talk to a trusted family member or a friend. They may help you make time for yourself or suggest activities that you can do on your own. 

Achieving a work-life balance can be overwhelming for some people, especially when they're not used to it. But it's absolutely doable so long as you are willing to make changes in your life.