Five minutes goes by quickly, there’s nothing wrong with that. You can spend five minutes worrying about the fact that you still have several phone calls to make, your birthday party to plan, and the out-of-town neighbor you promised to feed her cat. But in the same time you can also call the boss and decide to make the hair appointment only tomorrow. For the time being, it’s enough to find a date for the birthday and send out invitations. And the children can take care of the cat for a change. These can be the first steps toward work-life balance. We give you 12 tips on how to achieve an optimal work-life balance.
Time management as an important factor
Effective time management means:
- Separating the important from the unimportant
- To split large tasks into smaller sub-areas
- If possible: to hand over tasks to others, i.e. to delegate
When looking at the full to-do list is not always easy. But if you have tried it once with this method, many items can be checked off in no time. By planning your time in a systematic and disciplined way and concentrating on the essentials, you can gain valuable hours for yourself and your family. Specifically, you can save time by concentrating fully at work and avoiding interruptions (so feel free to lock the door and turn off your cell phone once in a while).
Unpleasant tasks first
No matter for which activity, whether the phone call with the old girlfriend or cleaning the apartment, you should always set a time limit in advance and keep it. Even unpleasant tasks should always be done immediately. By putting them off, they tend to pile up and you constantly have the unpleasant thought in the back of your mind that you still have to cancel the theater evening with your mother and confess to your girlfriend the red wine stain in the dress you borrowed. Instead, call right away and get it over with. Then not only will your conscience be relieved, you’ll also have your mind free for other things.
12 tips for an optimal work-life balance
In addition to proper time management, working through tasks in a planned and purposeful manner, and avoiding unnecessary procrastination, there are other tips that will help you get your tasks done and still find time for yourself. Just try the following 12 tips for an optimal work-life balance.
1. stress is completely normal
As long as the stress lasts only short periods, such as an emergency or an exceptionally busy workday. But this must be followed by rest, which you should consciously take. Continuous stress, on the other hand, makes you sick and leads to physical and mental exhaustion.
2. keep order
Every day five minutes to clean up the apartment is easier than to stand in front of the complete chaos on the weekend. A clean, empty desk helps you work more effectively and with more concentration.
3. take breaks
Take regular breaks in the fresh air. Open the window for five minutes several times, look out at nature and take a deep breath. Take a short walk at lunchtime instead of shoveling in instant noodles in front of your PC.
4.Relax while you eat.
Eat consciously and without stress. A good conversation on the side has a more relaxing effect than watching TV or reading the newspaper.
5. get moving
Even if it is difficult after a busy day: move. A light endurance run after work clears your head, relieves tension and releases happy hormones.
6. schedule free time
Make appointments with yourself to do things you enjoy (such as reading a good book, taking a relaxing bath, or looking at old photos).
7.Don’t neglect your friends
Instead of always postponing the cocktail evening due to time constraints and fatigue, arrange a meeting from 8 to 10 pm in advance. That way, you’ll get home early and still have had a nice evening.
8. organize your areas of life purposefully
Divide your life into four areas: Work, body/health, contacts, meaning/self-fulfillment. Each week, plan how much time you will devote to each area and stick to it.
9. delegate
Don’t be afraid to trust your partner to cook dinner occasionally. Let the kids help around the house.Those who always want to do everything themselves, for fear that others might do it wrong, are only cutting their own flesh.
10. look for a new job
If only work rules their lives and they fall into bed exhausted every night, consider changing jobs. If you’re happy with your employer, you could also negotiate for another position where you have a little less responsibility but a better quality of life.
11.Reflect
Reflect on your current situation from time to time so that you can realign your life.
12.Smile
Many things are easier with a smile.
