7 Tips for Balancing Work and Home
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I’m Susan. I help leaders and organizations increase their impact, confidence, and results through coaching and unique people strategies and programs that wow employees and boost business!
Balancing home and work is a constant battle, a literal tug-of-war. It seems that one suffers while the other thrives. It’s not an easy balancing act, but it can be done. The key is to figure out your priorities, make the most of your time, get help, maximize your resources, and eliminate non-essential activities that don’t provide you enjoyment.
Consider these ideas:
1. Make the most of your time at work.
If you can get more of the important things done at work during normal business hours, you can avoid having to stay late or take your work home. Focus on what's important. Remember the Pareto principle or the 80/20 rule? 20% of your work drives 80% of your outcomes. What are the most important goals of your organization, or your boss, and which specific tasks do you need to focus on to align with those goals? Consider delegating or dropping the rest.
For particularly cognitive-heavy or creative work, research has shown that there are diminishing returns after a total of 4 hours. Find ways to chunk your work into 2-3 concentrated and uninterrupted 60-90 minute periods throughout your workday, when you are most productive. This means closing any applications that may distract you (email, messaging apps) so those annoying pop-ups don't distract you from your flow. It may also mean putting on your headphones or holing up in a conference room or other quiet space to avoid the inevitable, constant interruptions from our well-meaning colleagues (another hazard of the ever-popular open office space concept).
Taking regular breaks in between concentrated periods gives your mind a rest and resets you for the next focused period of work. Doing something physically active like taking a quick walk (especially if you work at a desk most of the day), chatting with a colleague about their weekend, browsing social media, or listening to a podcast you enjoy can all be great breaks for your mind. Just make sure not to overdo it - 10 to 15 minutes should be sufficient.
Commit to checking your email only 3 times a day (e.g., mid-morning, after lunch, and just before leaving for the day) and definitely don't start your day off reading your email--you will inevitably be derailed by something in there. If something is urgent and needs your attention in between these times, they will find you another way.
2. Avoid wasting time at home.
Are you spending your time wisely at home? Are you getting things done and spending time with your family? Or are you wasting time in front of the TV or browsing your smartphone? Recall what's most important to you outside of work and make space for it. Is it spending quality time with your kids or pets? Is it centering yourself after a tough day at work by pursuing a hobby or working out?
Find ways to incorporate things that need to get done with opportunities to create connection with your loved ones. How about involving the kids in helping to prep or make dinner? This allows you the opportunity to hear about their day while getting dinner on the table faster. Or what about a dance party in the kitchen while you're preparing it? My kids love this, it boosts my mood, and builds in great movement time too!
You'll find that you actually feel more fulfilled with the limited time together if you spend the time you have together in meaningful ways.
3. Delegate at work and home.
Are you utilizing your employees and coworkers as much as possible? Are you, your spouse, and children all sharing the load at home? Some people can’t seem to trust others to do anything important and have a hard time letting go. If this is you, consider this mindset shift:
What is the opportunity lost by you completing tasks that could be easily done by others? What about the learning opportunities you may be depriving your employees or children of, as they strive to grow in their career and learn to be more independent?
You can get more done each day and spend more time on things that bring you joy if you make the most of your resources. Get the help you need and consider outsourcing those tasks that aren't your strength or don't fill you up. (Filing taxes anyone? Spring for a tax accountant to minimize this annual headache. Is the house never clean enough? Hire a house cleaner to deep clean every few weeks. Does your child need extra assistance in a particular subject and isn't receptive to your help? Hire a tutor so you can avoid the conflict and get your child the extra help he or she needs.)
4. Maximize your productivity.
It’s not just about not wasting your time, it’s doing things more efficiently. Is there a quicker way to accomplish your tasks each day? Can you group like tasks together and use time-blocking for greater efficiency? (Learn more about this technique in my eGuide.)
5. Say “no” more often.
Odds are that you have activities and obligations in your life that are actually optional and may be self-imposed. Some of them you don’t even enjoy. Why spend your time on these things?
If you don’t have to do it, consider not doing it. Learning to say “no” more often can keep these activities from encroaching on your life. (Another topic I dive deeper on in my eGuide.)
6. Telecommute.
Check with your employer and see if you can work from home occasionally.
You’ll save the time you’d normally be driving. Typically, you’ll have fewer distractions, which can be particularly helpful when you're on a tight deadline and need longer periods of focus to get the job done. (Just be aware of the potential household distractions that can equally derail you - young children, laundry, dishes, contractors, delivery persons, etc. If you can't block it out, telecommuting is probably not the best option for you.)
If it is for you, there's this added bonus: you can also work in your pajamas for a nice change of pace!
7. Make the most of your commute.
Can you make some of your phone calls while driving? Maybe you can sharpen your skills by listening to audiobooks or your favorite podcast. Perhaps you can carpool or take public transportation and get some real work done, catch up on sleep, or meditate while someone else drives, all the while being eco-friendly too.
It can be challenging to manage both your home and work life. The struggle is real and winning this work-life tug of war is a journey, as we increase our awareness and figure out what works and what doesn't. While it’s not easy, you can find a balance point in your life by focusing on what's most important to you and diligently carving out time and establishing healthy boundaries to make them happen.
Learn to be more efficient and fulfilled at home and at work. Maximize your use of your resources. Eliminate unnecessary activities. Make a more fulfilled and balanced life a priority.
For more ideas and details on setting healthy boundaries, check out my eGuide, "5 Steps to Setting Boundaries for Success".
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