Master the Art of Work-Life Balance

Flock

As a full-time student in a field that is rapidly evolving and stressful, I wonder how I could initiate a work-life balance routine. I have searched and asked some professionals and alumni; here are the conclusions.

Setting the Stage:

First of all, I remind myself that I’m human, with limited energy and engagement for my social life and well-being. Thus, I am in deep need of establishing clear working hours and sticking to them. Furthermore, defining a start and end time for my workday will help me avoid overworking. Recently, I heard about the 4-hour method to complete tasks, so I try to apply it for more efficient work.

=> Gradually install this mindset on a daily basis.

Setting Realistic Goals:

I made the mistake of learning many things simultaneously — front-end: React, Angular, programming languages, SQL databases, Mongo, as well as enrolling in many programs and courses, and ultimately completing nothing. This led me to burnout and underestimation of myself.

I began by defining achievable daily and weekly goals. Besides, being realistic about what I can accomplish in a given timeframe to avoid this situation again.

Weekend and Vacation Time:

Every weekend and vacation, I was dedicated a considerable amount of time to develop my skills, and my personality as well as learning new things. As a result, I wasn’t seizing the opportunity to rest and recharge myself, so I find myself unproductive on official days.

Unfortunately, spending time watching movies, scrolling on social media, or hanging out without a specific purpose is not the right weekend and vacation activities that help us recharge.

Here are some point to consider:

Rest and Relaxation:

• Sleep in and catch up on any sleep deficit.
• Take power naps to refresh yourself.
• Practice mindfulness and meditation to calm your mind.

Outdoor Activities:

• Explore nature through hiking, biking, or a simple walk in the park.
• Plan a picnic or a day at the beach.

Hobbies and Creative Outlets:

• Pursue hobbies you love, whether it’s painting, writing, gardening, or playing a musical instrument.
• Start a new creative project or finish one that you’ve left unfinished.

Socialize:

• Spend quality time with family and friends.
• Plan gatherings or outings with loved ones.
• Connect with people who bring positivity into your life.

Reading and Learning for Pleasure:

• It is preferable to have books, magazines, or articles for enjoyment in paper format.
• Explore topics unrelated to your work for a change of perspective.
• Consider taking up a course or workshop that interests you, but without the pressure of professional development.

dreamstime.com

Technology Detox:

• Limit your screen time and social media usage.
• Consider a digital detox to reduce stress and enhance mindfulness.

Cultural and Recreational Activities:

• Attend concerts, museums, or cultural events.
• Visit new places or explore your own city as a tourist.

Exercise and Wellness:

• Engage in activities that promote physical well-being, such as yoga or a spa day.
• Try out new fitness classes or routines.

Volunteer Work:

• Contribute to your community or a cause you care about through volunteer work.

Young people aged 18–24 (77%) and 25–34 (76%) are most likely to say their volunteering helped them feel less isolated.

“I feel like I’m making a difference’ and ‘It gives me a sense of personal achievement’ also ranked very highly among volunteers (90% for both).

www.ncvo.org.uk

Travel:

• Plan a getaway to a destination you’ve always wanted to visit.
• Explore different cultures and cuisines.

Automate When Possible:

I got used to coding and doing many tasks the hard way. Fortunately, there are many options you can rely on to help you save time, you can:

• Set up filters and rules in your email client to automatically organize and prioritize incoming emails.
• Utilize social media scheduling tools to plan and automate your posts across different platforms.
• Create templates for commonly used documents like reports, proposals, or emails to save time on repetitive tasks.
• Enable automatic updates for software to ensure you’re using the latest versions with improved features and security patches.
• Implement project management tools with automation features to streamline task assignment, progress tracking, and notifications.

Cultivate Hobbies:

For an introverted person, it is recommended to develop and nurture hobbies or activities outside of work as a healthy outlet for stress and a source of enjoyment.

Build a Support System:

I found myself complaining about tiresome and remaining tasks, despite spending 90% of my time on study-related tasks. A positive aspect is surrounding myself with a supportive network of family and colleagues who understand the importance of work-life balance.

irclaims.com.au

Disconnect After Work:

Resist the temptation to check work emails or engage in work-related tasks after your designated work hours. This helps create a clear boundary between work and personal time.

Delegate When Possible:

Whether you’re part of a team or in your daily life, delegate tasks when appropriate. This not only lightens your workload but also fosters collaboration.

“Don’t be a bottleneck. If a matter is not a decision for the President or you, delegate it. Force responsibility down and out. Find problem areas, add structure and delegate. The pressure is to do the reverse. Resist it.”

Donald Rumsfeld

I hope these elements contribute to setting the stage for a healthier work-life balance.

Dear reader, I wish you the best in achieving and maintaining a fulfilling work-life balance.