After the COVID-19 pandemic is over, or at least lowered in severity, resuming the typical work-life balance may be different than before. For those that are teleworking, the amount of work may have increased due to the lack of commute and time to prepare for the workday. However, it is crucial for employees during this time (and upon returning to the office) to maintain a healthy work-life balance to keep stress low and and a healthy focus on their wellbeing. Therefore, you must understand how to balance work and life during this difficult time in order to reduce your chance of increased stress and weakened immunity.
Balancing Work and Life in the Office
Barring a second wave of coronavirus, the US economy is preparing to reopen for good. Therefore, it is important to prepare yourself by practicing good habits and working to eliminate stress. Here are some of the ways in which you can increase your wellbeing and maintain a positive work-life balance while in the office:
Make a Daily Schedule
When you start your workday, check your calendar to see if you are required to attend any meetings. From there, review your assignments so that you can schedule the more difficult tasks earlier in the day. Establish goals and priorities to achieve throughout the day in order to reward yourself and feel accomplished.
Give Yourself Enough Breaks
Nobody expects you to sit at your computer for a full eight hours without getting up to stretch or taking your eyes off your computer screen. It is essential to take your mind off of work for a few minutes every hour to relax or go for a short walk. Allow yourself a full half hour for lunch so that you can reset and prepare for the second half of your day.
Communicate With Your Team
Open communication with your team is essential to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. If you are unable to complete a task by the due date or are feeling burnt out, be honest with your boss or coworkers so they can adjust accordingly. Better communication often leads to more rational decision-making and reduced stress in the long run.
Balancing Work and Life at Home
While it may seem important to improve your habits at work to maintain a balance, it is equally important to manage your time at home. Since a healthy work-life balance applies to both work and free time, you must find ways to relax and reduce stress while off the clock. Here are some of the ways in which you can improve your work-life balance at home:
Avoid Overscheduling Yourself
Time management plays a key role in reducing stress and avoiding burnout. If you look at your calendar after work and feel like you have signed up for too many activities, try moving one to a different day or rescheduling it. Let’s face it – there are only 24 hours in a day, and trying to cram in a bunch of activities without leaving enough time for sleep will only contribute to more stress.
Establish Positive Relationships
No matter who you talk to outside of work – your family, friends, or even fellow coworkers – it is important to establish a network of individuals you care about. Spending the time to talk with people you trust can boost your emotional health, your motivation, and your performance at work.
Implement Self-Care Into Your Routine
Self-care will allow you to enhance your overall physical, emotional, and mental health. Ensure you are getting proper sleep and eating the right foods throughout the day. In addition, getting proper exercise and knowing when to relax will help you eliminate stress and improve your body’s ability to fight against illnesses.
Download Our Free COVID-19 eBook Today
If you would like to learn more about how to balance work and life, Harbor Light Hospice is here to help. We have written a comprehensive eBook that will help you manage your time and reduce stress during the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19. Our free eBook will cover a variety of topics including how to reduce stress at work, the importance of self care, and much more. In addition, it will provide information for healthcare workers on how to protect themselves and others throughout the pandemic. Download your free copy of Take Care of YOU: Practicing Self-Care in the Workplace by Roget Loomis of Harbor Light Hospice today!