You know how it is. Checking emails on your commute to work, staying late at the office and doing that little favour for your boss on the weekend that turns into a full-on to-do list, eating into your downtime.
Bringing work home can seem like an innocent habit at first, but not giving yourself a break could actually mean the quality of your work decreases, while stress levels soar, leading to burn out in the long term.
So, how can we get a better work-life balance? Our expert, Natalie Lamb, Nutritional Therapist at Bio-Kult, has created 10 ways to help improve your overall happiness and wellbeing, without feeling guilty about leaving work where it should be.
1. Technology
Think if you need to check your work phone or emails during the evening or on your days off. Could you give a time frame to reply to emails such as 24 or 48 hours instead?
2. Prioritise your workload
Set aside time to complete larger tasks, as opposed to spending the majority of the day trying to prioritise smaller tasks.
3. Working hours
Could you try sticking to your set working hours for half your week? Many companies now offer a range of flexible working options, such as flexible hours, a four-day week or job sharing. Why not ask your boss today?
4. Manage your ‘yes’
Only take on additional projects that you can realistically do to the best of your ability. Try to be realistic with your goals by giving yourself more time than you need to complete a task.
5. Drop the need for perfection at home
Sometimes good is good enough! Putting pressure on yourself to be perfect at work and at home can take a toll on your mental health. Strive for progress, not perfection.
6. Sleep
Getting a good eight hours sleep a night will ensure you wake refreshed, ready to work to your best ability. Write down any important tasks that you are concerned about completing the following day, so they aren’t playing on your mind when you’re trying to sleep.
7. Acknowledge that your work day is over
This could be done when you shut down your computer, pack away your tools or even when you turn your car engine on. Take a deep breath and focus on the present.
8. ‘You’ time
Ensure you set aside some ‘you’ time each day which could include some form of relaxation, such as yoga, meditation, breathing exercises or walking or just spending time in nature, such as a park at lunchtime or the garden when you get home.
9. Interests outside of work
Having an interest in exercise, social time and cooking could all help take your mind off your to-do list at work.
10. Take a multi-strain probiotic
The gut isn’t known as the ‘second brain’ for no reason – in fact, it could be in charge of more decisions and feelings than you realise, including your cravings and mood. Bio-Kult Bio-Kult Migréa is a 14 multi-strain probiotic, formulated with magnesium and vitamin B6, providing a wide range of benefits such as helping to support optimal digestive and immune function and reducing tiredness and fatigue.
