Set boundaries for your work life
Productivity ⏱️ | Time Management ⏱️ | #Boundaries #Balance #Rest
TL;DR
Find balance between work and personal life. Prioritise rest to avoid exhaustion and maintain performance and mental health.
Set daily, weekly, and monthly boundaries to recharge and create balance.
Detaching and rejuvenating through deep breaks is vital for mental and emotional energy.
Seed
Striking a balance between work and personal life is crucial to prevent burnout and enhance your well-being. It's essential to be aware of your limits and avoid overloading yourself with tasks. While productivity is important, it's equally vital to prioritise proper rest.
If you think about it, it's a bit like the way muscles develop during rest after intense workouts. Similarly, a balanced work-life routine involves focused effort followed by rejuvenating breaks.
Instead of constantly pushing yourself to the brink, consider finding a balance that works for you. Filling every moment with tasks might seem productive, but it can lead to exhaustion in the long run. Acknowledge the importance of rest in maintaining your performance and mental health.
Creating boundaries is key to achieving this balance. Start by setting daily limits on when you begin and end work. This simple step prevents work from encroaching on your personal time and gives you a chance to recharge.
Extend this practice to weekly boundaries as well. Respecting weekends and allowing yourself time for leisure activities can significantly contribute to your well-being.
Monthly boundaries are equally important. Explore ways to incorporate extended periods of rest into your schedule, whether on a monthly or bi-monthly basis.
To truly disconnect and rejuvenate, consider taking a deep break. Step away from your usual environment by getting out of your home and city. Limit screen time and allow your mind to rest from work-related activities. This detachment is essential for recharging your mental and emotional energy.
Remember, setting boundaries is not about restricting yourself, but about creating a sustainable and fulfilling work-life balance. By respecting your limits and incorporating regular breaks, you'll find yourself more productive, focused, and happier overall. So, take a step towards a healthier work-life routine, and watch how it positively impacts both your professional and personal life.
Example
A couple of weeks ago, I realised that I was burned out. I had penciled in days off, but life got in the way, and it didn't happen. I deeply regretted not sticking to that plan. Eventually, I took a few minutes and began to block out my professional and personal calendars with most of my remaining days off for the year. I made sure to alternate workdays, long weekends, and extended breaks as regularly as possible.
I'm aware that these plans might undergo some changes. However, they are now visible to me instead of being tucked away in the back of my mind, where they could easily be forgotten. And I've decided to view this time as an immensely valuable resource for my well-being. So when the time comes, I’m less likely to find excuse to postpone this rest time.
Bonus
Here is the video from Matt D’Avella that largely inspired this seed: