Work-life balance is more than just a buzzword. It’s something we should all work toward, and there are tips that can help with that. The alternative is unappealing: without this balance, both work and life can become much more stressful in many ways.
What Is Work-Life Balance?
If you think of balance as two things having equal weight, you might think of work-life balance as meaning that you spend half of your time on each. But that’s not what work-life balance is all about. The term refers to balancing work and life to achieve harmony in physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
Just as achieving balance in other areas of life may not be easy, achieving work-life balance isn’t easy, either. It’s also not a state that you reach and just maintain. Your best individual work-life balance will vary over time, often on a daily basis. Also, someone else’s balance may be very different from yours: there is no perfect, one-size-fits-all version you should be striving for.
Tips for Creating Work-Life Balance
Work isn’t your entire life, and it’s important to keep that in mind. It’s the first step toward achieving work-life balance. The next step is to set boundaries; for example, do you accept calls at any hour of the night or day? Another step: take technology breaks so your brain can recharge. Also, schedule time away from work; vacation time can be a big step closer to work-life balance.
Your efforts in this regard don’t end when your workday does. It’s important to continue this at home. Is every moment at home filled with tasks, stress, and chaos? Make sure responsibilities at home are evenly distributed and clearly outlined. Don’t overcommit to activities during your free time, and make time for activities you enjoy, as well as to exercise, relax, and take care of yourself.
What Happens When You Don’t Have Work-Life Balance?
When you don’t have balance between your professional life and your personal life, it takes a toll on you. You may not even realize it, especially if it happens gradually. If you’re feeling stressed, the lack of balance may be to blame. And stress has ramifications: stress is associated with adverse effects on the immune system and can worsen the symptoms you experience from any medical condition.
When your work and your life aren’t in balance, there can be other consequences, as well. Suffering from chronic headaches or neck and shoulder pain is often a sign that you’re living in a constant state of strain. Tired? Persistent fatigue could be your brain’s way of saying it’s on overload. Work-life balance isn’t just a theory; it’s an important goal, and when it’s lacking, it can negatively impact your life.
Have You Found Balance?
At 365 Healthcare Staffing Services, we specialize in the recruitment and placement of healthcare professionals in per diem, travel, and permanent assignments in healthcare facilities across the country. Have you found a work-life balance that works for you? If so, congratulations! Whether you’re balancing life and work or still working on it, we’ll be here when you’re ready for your next assignment. Give us a call at 310.436.3650.
