The term work life balance gets thrown around a lot. But, how is that possible when we can all relate to our “To Do” Lists piling up, along with the laundry and dirty dishes. How is anyone supposed to do everything the need to and still stay sane?
Starting my first big kid job while finishing my last year and a half of school has taught me a lot. And it’s probably not what you think. Each day its easy for us to get wrapped up in the thought that more is more when it comes to work and productivity. Anyone else feel like with this mindset you are already burned out as you walk into the office or your first class (virtual or in-person) of the day on Monday morning?
Me too, all the time. I love the grind and love to hustle. But when there is so much going on, trying to “do more” is going to lead you to burn out before you even get close to the next promotion or finishing the paper that’s due at the end of the term.
I’ve had more conversations than I can count with supervisors about slowing down. Taking time for yourself is the only way to fully-recharge and get back to your mission. I have compiled a list of 5 things that will give you the space and permission so you can show up as the best version of you.
1. Balance Work with Joy Outside of your Job
It is easy to fall into a trap, all of a sudden work and school is your identity. I still have to pull myself back from these thoughts all the time. You are not one-dimensional. Whether or not you love your job or what you study, there is way more to life than your career or your grades at the end of the semester. Find things you are passionate about separate from your day to day responsibilities. Life is too short to just do the one thing. Find your people and make them a priority. Do things that make your forget work is waiting for you.
As I approach the end of school, I find myself daydreaming about what I can do with my Sundays without having to complete a week’s worth of assignments. Lately, I have made it a priority to leave my Friday nights and Saturdays (as much as possible) to be a time for fun and friends.
Tips for Finding things to Balance Out Work:
- Checkout what there is to do in your neighborhood. Most towns have tourist websites. Make a list what you want to do and check one off every so often.
- Tight Budget: find some green space, get some fresh air, and take a book, or journal or grab a friend and a soccer ball and just get out.
- Schedule the Time: go into your week or day knowing you are going to block out some time later to do something just because
2. Combat Imposter Syndrome
Being new to a position is intimidating. It is easy to start to believe that you don’t belong. When I feel that way, I try to justify my place with productivity, endless ideas, and too much work. I want to prove that I belong where I am. If this sounds like you, then you might have some imposter syndrome. The linked article from TIME is a great resource to start combating your thoughts surrounding your worth and credibility.
What I have Done to (sort of) beat imposter syndrome:
- Daily Affirmations
- Gratitude Journal
- Talk to trusted people about how you feel
3. What Grounds You?
Another key to finding work life balance is being able to bring yourself back to what actually matters. This can be pretty much anything and everything that reminds you who you are. It can easily relate back to some of the things in number one; when I discussed the importance of finding joy outside of work and school.
However, this point is really for what helps you slow down or what reassures you in presence of stress or hard times. This one is pretty individual so I will speak to my experience.
For me, movement and exercise ground me. Movement, whether it is running or weight lifting, teaching a class, or yoga, all help me get more in touch with my body, especially when I am overwhelmed with all the tasks I need to get done for work. If you are looking for some great accounts to follow for wellness inspo, check out my previous post, 3 Wellness Resources You can Actually Trust.
Rest, meditation, and prayer are the other things that help me process my feelings and give me a lot of perspective on life. Sometimes this just means that I take a few minutes to close my eyes and breath as I go to sleep or as soon as I wake up. Other times, it is reading from one of my favorite devotionals or listening to a recorded church service.
If you are trying to figure out what helps ground you, it is as simple as finding what helps you recharge and slow down.
4. Work will be there Tomorrow
A lesson I am learning the hard way: Not every situation that comes up is an emergency. Not every homework assignment needs to be done weeks ahead. If you struggle with a constant need to always be productive you might know what I’m talking about.
Stay focused on your tasks for the week, but be flexible with yourself with what is actually realistic and deal with the emergencies when they actually do come up. Most days you leave work you will be back within the next 15 hours. I’m sure that some of the work can wait. Set boundaries with yourself. Leave work when you say you are.
Are you one to overload the “To Do” list and find yourself overwhelmed with guilt when it doesn’t get done? Then make it a goals to only have a few manageable items on the list each day. This will help you feel more accomplished and keep momentum up during the week.
Focus on the quality of the work. Like I said earlier, more does not equal better. Work life balance is not about doing it all, but feeling good about what you are able to do. We are all limited on time. You deserve to feel good about all that you are doing, not like less of a person for having to prioritize your responsibilities.
So, the work will be there tomorrow. Take your breaks and come back refreshed tomorrow.
5. There is Growth in Stillness
Self-reflection is key to determine if how you operate day to day is actually beneficial. If you are trying to achieve a better work life balance then you need to check yourself every so often.
Figure out what time frame and how often you should be reevaluating yourself. Is it once a week, every day, or just a few times a year? When you are just starting your journey you may want to reflect more often than not. This will help you to identify the patterns that aren’t working for you and the ones that aren’t.
It can be as simple as writing what went well or poorly during your week. Take those and come up with strategies to help you do better with making time for yourself.
It may seem really challenging to take those moments to yourself. But, when you are intentional with the time you have to make minor adjustments the pay off is insane.
Starting a new job, going back to school, taking on additional responsibilities can be really challenging. It is easy to lose yourself in all the things you feel you need to get done. But, I promise if you take the time for yourself outside of the necessary tasks you will see huge payoffs down the road.
