Achieving a work-life balance always seems like an uphill battle. With technology now giving us access to our jobs, managers and coworkers 24/7 (thank you WhatsApp), it sometimes feels like a curse rather than a blessing. It can be hard to stop yourself from spiraling towards the abyss of corporate slavery but when the lines between life and work starts to get blurry, you have to take a step back and reassess your work-life balance. To help you do that, here are five red flags that your work-life balance is way off balance.
You Don’t Have Time to Do the Things You Love
When you can’t find the time to catch up with the closest people to you, and even if you are sitting with your friend or family, you’re always checking your emails a WhatsApp work group, then there’s a problem. Try to take some time away from your work emails and focus on the moment.
Youre Always Stressed About Work
Stress has been scientifically proven to be very dangerous to our bodies. Whenever, I find myself unable to sleep or with a nagging headache that just won’t go away, I automatically know that my stress hormones are at an all- time high. If you’re feeling constantly stressed due to work, this is definitely a red flag that you need to find some emotional separation between work and life. Always find time for doing things that will help you destress and don’t be afraid to voice your need of some time off to recharge.
Living in One World When You’d Rather Be in Another
When you think about home when you’re at work and about work when you’re at home, then you’re not really giving either of them your full time or attention. It’s hard separating the too but it is also crucial for a better work-life balance. Practice to leave your friends and family issues at work, and to leave your work issues at home. Occasionally, they might intersect but the more you practice to separate the two, the more productive and balanced your life will turn out.
Mistaking Busyness For Productivity
Being the first one to arrive at the office and the last one to leave, does not mean that you are being productive. Spending hours and hours working, does not mean you are being efficient. Skipping sleep and missing meals so you can always be available to fulfill your job’s every needs will actually lead to a faster burnout and a lack of motivation. Learn to be productive by prioritizing certain tasks for work while also prioritizing time for yourself when needed.
You Are Not Fulfilling Your Core Values
People will treat you how you allow them to treat you. If you feel like you you’re compromising your values for the sake of a job that can replace you in a day or for a job that doesn’t really represent your core values, then is it really worth it in the end?
