The new year is often seen as a fresh start, and it’s the perfect time to focus on finding a healthy work-life balance. Work can easily flow into our private lives, and many of us struggle to balance our professional and personal responsibilities.
Achieving that balance is essential for our mental health, productivity and overall wellbeing. In this blog, we’ll explore some tips for maintaining balance and talk about how Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) at Work training can play an important role in creating a supportive work environment.
Start with boundaries. When you’re working from home or have an overpacked to-do list, it can be tempting to continue working long after your standard business hours. Set clear limits for when your workday begins and ends.
In practice, this could mean turning off email notifications after work hours or setting a reminder to stop working at a specific time. It’s also important to communicate your boundaries with coworkers and supervisors so they can understand and respect your time.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you take on too many tasks, whether at work or in your personal life. Be mindful of your limits, and don’t be afraid to decline additional projects or responsibilities if it means protecting your mental and emotional wellbeing. It’s better to focus on doing a few things well than overloading yourself with too many tasks.
If you’re unsure how to say no, consider starting a conversation with your supervisor about prioritization and support. Saying no doesn’t mean you’re being selfish — it means you’re being realistic about what you can handle at the moment.
Taking care of yourself should always be a priority. With everything that keeps you busy at work, it’s easy to forget to take care of your own needs. Whether it’s getting enough sleep, exercising, meditating, or simply taking a walk, regular self-care can help you recharge and prevent burnout.
Make time in your schedule for activities that help you unwind and relax. Your mental and physical health are essential, and prioritizing self-care will help you feel better and more focused when you’re working.
If your employer offers remote work or flexible hours, consider how these options can help you achieve a better work-life balance. Flexible work options help you to manage your responsibilities and to focus on your personal life if needed.
If flexible work options aren’t already available at your workplace, consider discussing it with your manager or human resources team. Many employers are open to exploring new ways to help employees achieve better balance, especially as the focus on mental health and wellbeing continues to grow.
It can be easy to get caught up in tasks and work long hours without taking a break. However, working without taking breaks can reduce your productivity and lead to burnout. Make sure you take regular breaks throughout the day to refresh your mind and body.
Even something as simple as stepping away from your desk for five to 10 minutes to stretch, take a walk or grab a snack can help you stay focused and energized — and not burnt out. Consider scheduling breaks to ensure you’re taking the time you need to recharge. Check out these four tips to prevent burnout.
Open and honest communication with your manager about your work-life balance needs is important. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, let them know so you can discuss solutions together. Whether it’s adjusting deadlines, redistributing tasks or finding additional support, most managers want to help you succeed and maintain your wellbeing.
Being transparent about your needs also ensures that you’re not carrying too much of the burden on your own. A good manager will work with you to find a balance that helps you stay productive without compromising your wellbeing.
Sometimes, the best way to maintain balance is to fully unplug from work. Unplugging allows you to focus on your personal life and gives you a chance to recharge without distractions from work. This could mean turning off your phone, logging out of email or simply disconnecting from digital devices for a set amount of time each day or week. Try to schedule regular “unplugged” time to ensure you’re taking the space you need to relax and focus on other aspects of your life.
>> Download your daily self-care checklist for better workplace wellbeing. <<
Remember, work-life balance isn’t about being perfect — it’s about finding what works best for you and adjusting as needed. With the right mindset and tools, you can start the new year off with a healthier, happier approach to both work and life.
Hey, leaders! A supportive work environment enables a healthy work-life balance — and you can help build it. One way is to bring MHFA at Work training to your workplace. This course teaches employees and managers how to recognize the signs of mental health challenges like anxiety, depression and stress. It teaches you how to support colleagues in times of need, creating a healthier and more compassionate workplace.
Put your business case for MHFA at Work in writing by using our easily adapted email template, filled with everything you need to help you gain leadership support for this transformative program. Download pre-written email.
When a business offers MHFA training it shows their commitment to employees’ wellbeing and creates a workplace where mental health is valued. Not only does this help employees feel supported, but it also promotes a more open, understanding environment and reduces stigma around mental health challenges.
