Improving Your Work/Life Balance
It sounds clear and actually quite simple - balancing work life and personal life should be something everyone is capable of doing, right?
In reality, the work-life balance is an intense and personal process, one that each business owner must define in their own life.
Even when considering the personal nature of the work-life balance, there are some general tips everyone can employ when seeking the illustrious state of balance.
The process begins by setting boundaries. Determine the time you will leave the office each day; then stick with it, regardless of what arises throughout the day. Set your outgoing message on the weekends so your clients know you will not be taking calls or answering emails until Monday morning. You can also note a time each evening in which you will no longer be available.
The key to these boundaries is they must be realistic. The goal here is longevity in both business and life; and in order to keep yourself motivated and committed - your boundaries should be built into your daily routine seamlessly, reducing stress, not introducing more.
Next, you must understand your own expectations. More specifically, you may need to lower your expectations! You cannot and will never be able to do it all; once you realise this, you can move forward successfully.
Utilise calendars and colour coding for work, family and personal time – this will provide a clear view of where you are spending the majority of your time and then you can organise your schedule according to your priorities. Create daily, weekly and monthly to-do lists to accompany the calendars and keep you on track.
Remember to schedule breaks and actually take them - short breaks during the day as well as time on the weekends dedicated solely to family and personal time. Always take your holidays!
Build flexibility into your plans. Studies show those who are given the freedom to work when and where they need to will be more productive. Even the best to-do lists and schedules can be turned upside down by unpredictability. To stay balanced, you need flexibility.
Lastly, create your personal version of success. By listing the things you want to achieve both at work and in your personal life you can be successful in both places. List your desires, define why you want them, and then determine how to achieve them.
Monitor these goals regularly to find out where you might be lacking the focus needed, and then you can redirect your time and energy toward success.
Work-life balance isn’t about finding a way of completely separating the two – it is about allowing them to intertwine and complement one another. Discovering what will work for you personally will increase productivity and reduce stress, both at home and at work.
What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?
Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.
Six tips for improving security around your home
1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.
2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.
3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.
4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.
5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.
6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property
Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.
What workplace change would you like to see most?
This coming Monday is Labour Day in New Zealand. This public holiday marks when the eight-hour workday and 48-hour workweek became law in 1899. The idea started with Samuel Parnell, a carpenter in Wellington, who in 1840 refused to work more than eight hours a day. Since skilled workers were in short supply, his employer had to agree.
As more skilled workers arrived, employers tried to change working conditions, but Parnell and others kept pushing for better rights. In 1890, Parnell led a Labour Day parade of 1,500 people to promote the eight-hour day. He passed away shortly after, and nine years later, Labour Day became an official public holiday.
Do you feel that we have reached the ideal in working environments yet? What rights are you passionate about relating to employment? Share your thoughts!
Loading…
