Work life balance and stress management techniques
In today's fast world many people think that daily hours have been reduced. It is crucial to manage family, work, self development and social life without stress. That's why work life balance is very important. Learning work life balance and stress management makes you healthy as well as increases your productivity level. In this article we will see what is work life balance, why it is important and which stress management techniques you should use.
What is work life balance
Literally meaning of work life balance is that you should balance between your work responsibilities and personal life. It doesn't mean that you give equal time to both. It means that one should not be dominated over another.
For example, the person who works all the time can earn money but he will feel tired, stressed and disconnected with family and friends. While on the other hand, if we ignore work responsibilities then financial pressure and career problems will occur. Then it is necessary to take a middle way. By adopting this way we will be able to balance our work with our social life, self development and also manage our stress.
Why work life balance is important
There are a lot of benefits of work life balance such as:
- Better mental health: Excess work can cause anxiety, burnout and depression. Balance refreshes the mind.
- Strong connections: Spending time with family and friends strengthens your social support system.
- Better productivity: Happy people focus on work better than stressful people.
- Better physical health: Stress is connected with high blood pressure, heart diseases and lack of sleep.
When you take your time for work as well as personal activities then life looks meaningful and enjoyable.
Causes of stress in daily life
Before understanding stress management it is necessary to understand the causes of stress.
- Heavy workload and tight deadlines.
- Lack of time for family, friends and your favourite hobbies.
- Disturbance in sleep and unhealthy lifestyle.
- Financial problems and job insecurity is also the cause of stress.
Good thing is that you can control the stressors.
Stress management techniques for better life
1. Give importance to your time
Everything is not important. Give importance to your work first. Complete your hard and necessary work and after that do your small works. It will reduce the stress and you will feel successful.
Daily write your three important tasks and complete them before going to bed.
2. Make boundaries
Stress increases when work and personal life mix. That's why make boundaries.
- Do not check work emails at night.
- Make a fixed switch off time and after that only focus on your family and health.
- If working at home then make a separate workspace.
3. Take regular breaks
Non-stop work increases stress. Small breaks refresh the mind.
Take small breaks such as:
- 5 minute walk each hour.
- Stretching.
- Drinking water and deep breathing exercise.
4. Practice relaxation techniques
Relaxation is not any luxury technique. It's necessary.
- Deep breathing: If you feel stressful then start breathing deeply.
- Meditation: Daily focus on positive thinking for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Mindfulness: Focus on your present instead of future or past.
5. Exercise regularly
Physical activity is the best way to reduce stress. Exercise releases endorphins that are naturally mood boosters.
Gym is not necessary. Only walk, cycling and yoga at your home without any heavy instruments.
6. Make healthy sleep habits
Lack of sleep increases stress. 7 to 8 hours of sleep daily is important.
Better sleep tips:
- Make a habit of sleeping and waking up at the same time.
- Avoid TV, mobile or laptop before going to bed.
- Make your bedroom comfortable, dark and quiet because it will help in better sleep.
7. Eat a balanced diet
Eating has a direct effect on mood and energy. Junk food, too much sugar and caffeine increase stress. Perfect diet contains fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and water.
8. Try to say no
Many people feel stressful because they take responsibilities much more than their capacity. It is necessary to learn how to say no in polite manners. It protects your time and energy.
9 Be connected with your loved ones
Spending your time with your friends and family members reduces stress. Sharing your emotions makes problems easy.
Take time for small social activities like a small phone call or coffee meet up.
Self care is not selfish, it's necessary. Spend your time in your passion, reading, music etc. These small things recharge your mind.
Work balance tips for professionals
- Use calendar and make a plan of your week.
- Delegate your tasks.
- Limit overtime and respect your personal time.
- Take vacation so that your energy level comes again.
Final thoughts
Work life balance and stress management meaning is not to become perfect. It is the name of small consistent changes where you work for your time, make boundaries and take care of your health.
Give importance to your important tasks, practice relaxation techniques, exercise and maintain social connections. By adopting these you will have a successful career.
Remember balance is different for everyone. Important thing is that make a routine for yourself then you will feel productive.
Start from 1 to 2 techniques described in this article and then increase gradually. After sometime you will see reduction in stress and better focus on your health and lifestyle.
No comments: