These days, a healthier work-life balance almost seems like a pipe-dream – especially in the CRE industry. Sure, everyone wants to spend more time with their loved ones and be stress-free and super productive at work. But unless you have a magic lamp sitting on your desk, how exactly is that supposed to happen?
Realizing A Healthier Work-Life Balance Starts with You
The most important thing to understand when engineering a healthier work-life balance is that you are in charge. If you want to be there for your kids or spouse, if you want to be more fulfilled in life, if you want to be present in the moment, it all starts with you.
Empowering yourself to take deliberate steps towards balance is what it’s all about. You are in the driver’s seat. You can set boundaries in your life if you’re willing. And you should! Because, while a healthier work-life balance means different things depending on who you talk to, the point is to achieve balance and harmony in your day-to-day.
Especially during the holidays, we’re reminded that we don’t just work to pay the bills. We do what we do so we can have the life we want – both for ourselves and for those we care for. So how do you do it? How do you balance career and personal life? How do you achieve harmony without moving to a mountain top somewhere in Tibet?
7 Simple Tips for Fulfillment
These practical steps will help you make simple changes in your life so you can be more fulfilled whether at home or work:
- Focus on the Task If you’re working on a new cost analysis project, focus only on that task. Don’t check emails periodically to make sure you’re staying current. Do what’s in front of you. If you’re having dinner with friends, enjoy their company. Don’t be distracted by what you have going on at the office. Focus brings a sense of control and emphasizes quality.
- Take Regular Vacations Taking regular vacations is not only good for employees’ healthier work-life balance, it’s also good for employers. Detaching from the daily grind for a few days once in a while actually helps employees perform at a higher level when they get back.
- Commit to Leaving the Office on Time If you’re frequently sucked into sending just one more email that turns into staying two hours late, practice telling your co-workers early in the day you need to leave on time today so they know not to dump a project on you at the last minute. Then start tying up loose ends a half hour before you want to leave.
- Be Present in the Moment One of the best ways to find fulfillment whether at home, work, or anywhere is to simply be present. Deliberately center yourself in what’s going on right now. Your ability to thoroughly embrace whatever you experience and be present is directly correlated to your happiness.
- Unplug from Technology Don’t want to be stressed out by work emails while you’re with your family? Turn off mobile notifications. Putting your phone down – or better yet, out of the room – when you are spending quality time with friends or family is a great idea. It helps prevent you from sending work texts during the kids’ game or worrying about a project while you’re catching up with an old friend.
- Adopt a Morning Ritual A key to emotional well being and maintaining a healthier work-life balance is a consistent morning ritual. Work out for just 20 minutes or meditate for even 15. Listen to your body and take time to center yourself for the day ahead. You will better understand your priorities and significance.
- Take Frequent Breaks During the Day Employees are more creative and productive in short bursts after an even shorter break. If you’re stumped or feeling overwhelmed, go outside for a minute or get a drink of water. You can increase your chances of a healthier work-life balance by working in intensely focused short sprints punctuated by short breaks.
This holiday season, take the time to be completely with your family and friends. Ask yourself what you’re thankful for in your life and work. Express gratitude to those who share this journey with you. Notice the simple pleasures around you.
Because work is life, and life is work. To find a healthier work-life balance, recognize they’re all part of the same journey. And you don’t want to miss a thing.