DOES A WORK-LIFE BALANCE EXIST?
Here at Balance + Glo, we get how important it is to strike a balance in our everyday lives, it is something we are constantly working towards. But we are also fully aware of how difficult it can sometimes feel, coupled with the pressures of being able to ‘do it all’, finding true balance can seem difficult to attain. So we asked our founder Jenny, true advocate of work/life balance for her top tips…
To begin with I’ll be totally honest. As someone who owns a business, is a mum to a now two year old toddler and is so passionate about what they do, at times ‘a work-life balance’ seems a little impossible. I’m finding that for me, it’s not necessarily about finding absolute balance in a single day, but about going with the ebb and flow of work and life over the period of week or even a month to find a balance that feels sustainable, makes me smile and allows me to enjoy and be present with both work and family life, getting the best of both worlds. When it works, it feels like I’m acing it!
I wanted to share some top tips that I think have helped me to try and find the best balance I can. One word of advice: start small. Maybe take one or two of the tips below and begin to put them into practise. It really is a learning curve, where habits have to change it takes time so don’t be hard on yourself if some days feels really weighted towards work or vice versa. I think compassion towards ourselves plays a huge part in putting this into real life practise.
#1 Take calls and meetings outside of your usual work space
If you find yourself with several virtual meetings back-to-back, try taking them while you go for a walk. You could also take a call outside or invite a friend over to co -work with you. Here at B+G we’ve started having our management meeting at a coffee shop with a sea view - I get to walk there, and usually stay there to work. It helps to have a change of scenery plus I get to combine work with nature and social interaction.
#2 Make time everyday for something you enjoy
Whether that’s yoga, fitness, your favourite podcast, or just having a cuppa outside. Write them in your diary or calendar so you begin to schedule in little pockets of time in your day. Choose a time that’s accessible to you ie. I use the time just after nursery drop off to get a coffee and sit by the sea, walk or head straight into the studio to have some time on my yoga mat. When you can regularly cultivate some “me-time” and cater to your own needs, you’re building a foundation for managing work-life balance. You’re keeping yourself revitalised and energised!
#3 Set blocks of times for tasks and time aside for breaks
Have a time where you check (and respond to) messages, a time when you take meetings, and time to do mentally-intensive work. It helps to anchor these tasks around the times that you are personally more productive. I love my weekly A3 desk planner where I can write times to allocate to each task each day and prioritise the ones that really need to get done.
Even if it’s 5 minutes, set aside a break in the day to stop work, it will help increase focus and productivity - our Take 5 series is an awesome series of 5 minute movement and mindfulness videos to help you take that moment to step away.
#4 Limit Screen Time
How much time do you spend scrolling? Guilty over here and boy can you get yourself into a black hole of time wasting. You can use your mobile to your advantage by stetting time limits for your favourite apps. Once your daily allowance is up, you won’t be able to use them anymore! Alternatively, go screen free on your lunch break or walk and I find leaving my phone in another room when my little boy is around helps me to really focus on him rather than noticing whatsapp messages coming through.
#5 Be kind to yourself
Don’t beat yourself up over spending too much time working or not working. Being more compassionate and forgiving to ourselves can only serve to ‘lighten the load’ and relieve some of the pressure we put on ourselves to do it all. Still working on this one myself, ‘mum guilt’ is something I deal with daily.
#6 Use Mindfulness Techniques
When you practice mindfulness techniques, like meditation or breath awareness, you become more in-tune with your emotions and physical sensations. Paying attention to these feelings helps you learn how to notice when you might be suppressing a feeling, emotion or need in order to work.
#7 Don’t be afraid to ask for help and support
If you’re really struggling with workload, speak to your boss or HR team - having open conversations can lead to solutions and support. At home, ask for support and help where you need it. I’ve really found that by making little bits of time for myself (whether that’s 5 minutes to step outside or going to a yoga class) and recognising that it’s needed to ensure I’m then a better mother and ensures quality family time with Freddie rather than me feeling totally frazzled.