This week I came across a Reddit post where a new employee has shared his discontent with this sudden change in life. And many people seem to relate with it, and I realized how all of us share a similar kind of frustration.
Take a minute to guess.
It was about how none of us can achieve a ‘Work-life Balance’.
After reading hundreds of responses, I realized that one common issue is seen in every response which is perfectly exemplified by this particular user.
As soon as I wake up, I get ready and go to work and then I get home and am so exhausted from work that I really don’t have any energy left to dedicate to myself in any meaningful way. – Impressive Salt
(The user name is pretty intriguing), but that’s how most of us feel when we are in our job; life becomes meaningless.
I have spent enough time researching and applying some things in my own life. I will present to you 7 strategies. They are not your Life-hack but Lifestyle.
Let’s address the issue that we face during our work week.
- We don’t have energy left when we are back home.
- There is a loss of sense of purpose.
- The Monotony.
- Struggling to find time for hobbies or people we love.
These fundamental problems trouble many of us, and they often prove to be true. Let’s seek solutions.
- Get Accustomed
What do I mean by that ??
If you are new to the workplace or to the job itself, it can be utterly challenging to adjust to things and the new routine. It may feel like things are not in your control, and sometimes that’s the reality.
So instead of obsessing over things that are not in your hands, focus on what you have. Whether it’s the commute, coworkers, new projects, or deadlines … Give yourself time to get accustomed to these things and make small changes over time, it will lead to a better work experience.
2. Be Proactive
“ When you do more than you are paid for, eventually you’ll be paid for more than you do” – Zig Ziglar
When you are new to a place it’s okay to be hesitant but make an effort to know people. Show interest in your projects and don’t wait until the deadline to get the work done ( College is over ). Follow up with your colleagues regularly.
All this will help people around you gain trust in you, and you will also get higher job satisfaction.
- Encourage Breaks
You can’t do a good job if your job is all you do. – Katie Thurms
Until a big revolution happens, we’ve got to work 72 hours a week, so you can’t let yourself be burned out.
Breaks are the best solution. Until then, don’t spend them complaining or gossiping. It will drain you, not refresh you.
What else should we do??
- Nourish yourself with food that will keep you active.
- Go for a walk.
- Use this time to know your colleagues.
- Pick up that phone from your mom; come on..
Strictly avoid scrolling during your breaks, all those wanderlust videos will not leave you excited to go back to work.
- Eisenhower Matrix
This tool was introduced by US President Dwight D Eisenhower. The focus of this tool is to help prioritize our task but with a twist. It is divided in two major sections Urgent- Important.
Since you are new to the work set up, you may find it difficult to prioritize multiple things whether it is personal or professional life. This simple method can help you with that.
Many times, Urgent tasks and Important tasks for us are similar but they have substantial differences.
a. Important and urgent → Do it
- These tasks need your immediate attention and action.
- We can subgroup this as deadlines or some crises.
b. Important but not urgent → Schedule it
- We can plan these sections patiently.
- This section is usually dedicated to long-term goals.
c. Urgent but not important → Delegate it
- As a new professional it might not be in your purview to delegate any work to your subordinate.
- In such a case, Ask for someone’s assistance if you can.
- If you can’t delegate it, schedule it well.
- Usually, these are deadlines or work from seniors.
d. Not urgent and not important → Don’t do it
- While making a list, we often lose track and add many things.
- These things won’t specifically fall into your work priority.
- It can even distract you from the more essential work.
These solutions can help you in your workspace. If you adapt them in your routine, they may bring big changes. But, let’s address the most important issue: finding a balance in our regular life.
I mentioned earlier that we are not here for some hacks but we will highlight on Lifestyle.
- Don’t be afraid to UNPLUG
I have been stressing on this point consecutively in my past articles too, and believe me your phone isn’t your well-wisher.
Most of us immediately spend time scrolling after our work, and soon time goes by and you have to prepare yourself for the next day.
Excessive scrolling will bring bigger consequences, like depression. Save yourself the cost of therapy.
- PLUG yourself to life.
A simple and effective practice would be to take a quick shower and freshen up as soon as you’ve got home.
Make your dinner.
Do things that don’t need a lot of mental effort.
Go for that movie, go meet that friend you’ve been avoiding, and go to that date which you’ve been hesitant to.
- Gratitude
Life may be monotonous and tiring at times, but never take your blessing for granted. You have two options: either you can crib about how life is treating you unjustly or you can count on the blessing you have.
Sometimes we struggle with this, on those days try to write 5 things you are grateful for.
Celebrate and appreciate yourself even the small wins in any aspect of your life, these are the ladders for your higher achievements.
I know this was about 7 strategies but I’ll give you a bonus tip.
Begin your day before your work
Transform your mornings as the powerhouse of your routine. If you just use your mornings to rush into the office then honestly you will eventually grow tired of it.
This is the time when you are preparing a mindset for your work and before spending your next 8 hrs in work, you get these few hours to yourself. In the long run this pattern will prove to be extremely beneficial and fulfilling.
Pick up that book you have wanted to read for a long time and enjoy your solitude.
Conclusion
Instead of finding ways to turn your life upside down. Practice mindfulness in life. If your workspace makes you yearn for an improved personal life, then you should reconsider it. Don’t take work-life balance for granted. Respect yourself and the people around you. You’ll find ways to lead a fulfilling and stress-free life.
With this to all the newcomers out there , I’m wishing you the perfect work-life balance .