Our world shifts slowly but surely towards a far more streamlined process of work. Where we were once forced to have distinguished segments of our 24-hour day for specific tasks due to logistical limitations within the realm of possibility. Recent advances in different fields have blurred these fine but vital lines and fused our day into one giant block where it can be quite a task to untangle and place our to-do list in any meaningful order.
The previous norm was based on a simpler working life model, where most people were content with finishing the work that was allocated within the a day. The world was not yet a global village where you could feel other people working round the clock, and succumb to the pressure to make yourself available to communicate with those in other countries at all hours. There was far less competition, as the minimum wage was sufficient to lead a decent life. It was harder to work outside of your 9-5, since work could only be performed at the office or the factory, and was heavily dependent on others.
With all the factors that have come into play nowadays, it's a challenge to put down the pen or keyboard without feeling like you're slacking off. To make things worse, most of us now could theoretically work, live, play, and sleep all in the same physical place whenever we so desired, and where there is more choice, there is greater responsibility. The average person must now start to think of their work/life balance if they wish to sustain their pace and not burn out in the marathon of life.
Knowing When to Stop
Knowing when to stop is a talent few can boast of mastering. But oftentimes, one must simply set a boundary, a limit, and broadcast that they are not able to pick up more tasks, answer more messages, or accept meetings outside of their working hours. Setting non-negotiable boundaries is essential for maintaining our mental health and well-being. By recognising when it's time to step away from work, we allow ourselves the opportunity to recharge and prevent burnout from taking hold.
Time Management
Time management and its role in this subject matter cannot be overstated. It's important to point out that it does not signify fitting everything into your day, but knowing how to prioritise the important things and reorganise the ones that aren't. Using tools such as a calendar and/or to-do list can be very helpful. By managing our time wisely, we can establish boundaries between work and personal life, ensuring that neither overpowers the other. This can enable us to set realistic goals, prioritise tasks, and allocate sufficient time for self-care. It helps us avoid overworking, reduce stress levels, and achieve a sense of balance.
It’s OK to Take a Break
We often fall into a flow and forget to take frequent breaks that could increase our productivity and lessen eye strain for those of us who work at a screen. Sure, we might get loads done by focusing on the short term, but we must remember that we're playing an endless game. Breaks provide an opportunity to rest our minds and bodies, reducing mental fatigue and improving focus and concentration. They help us regain perspective, stimulate creativity, and enhance problem-solving abilities. It's okay to ignore the glorified workaholic lifestyle, in order to become a more balanced, productive person!
Disconnect
In a world where connection, in all facets of the word, has been engineered, optimised, and prioritised, we must find some way to completely cut off from all these wires virtually plugged into your brain, and give it the breath of fresh air that it needs. Take a couple of weeks off and go hiking, climb a cliff, dive into the ocean if you are able, or do anything that gives you a more natural set of problems to solve.
There's something truly liberating, rejuvenating, and transformative at the point where you realise you're worrying about how to find your camping site again after a long walk in the forest, compared to worrying about what to reply to John from accounting who wants that draft you promised last week. That's something you'll only understand once you experience it.
Prioritise You
At the end of the day, you're only left with yourself. When work is over, you may be a bit more tired, have a bit more money in your pocket, but you are all you have, so take care of yourself. Do not burn your body, mind and soul for someone else's dream. Give yourself the rest, exercise, food and stimuli that nourishes you and allows you to become the best version of yourself.
In closing, it's easier to write all this than put it into practice, but then again, those who are patient with themselves and put plans into action tend to be the most successful in finding balance. It's definitely worth it in the end!
