Work-Life Balance doesn’t just happen. It is challenging to juggle the demands of your job and the rest of your life. However, creating the appropriate balance for you will bring more control and enjoyment to your life.
Below are some tips that might be helpful to achieve more balance in your daily routine:
- As you leave for work in the morning, try to think about the rewarding activities that you intend to do that day. Allow yourself to be aware of the difference you make in your patient’s and colleague’s lives.
- Carve out time to accomplish the essential tasks that you need to do that day including paper work, patient follow-up, patient care and any other responsibilities. Good time management will contribute to your feeling more in charge of your time.
- As you leave the hospital, try turning off your smart phone (if you are not on call), and as you drive home think of three things that you feel good about from the day. Smartphones are not only a distraction, but the light from the screen interferes with sleep.
- When you get home, take off your work clothes, take a shower and focus on transitioning out of work mode. Keep you smart phone off unless it is essential that you be reached. Engage the people you are close to.
- Plan an enjoyable activity for the weekend or when you have time off. Looking forward to something that is enjoyable improves mood and makes the week seem shorter.
- Consider delegating activities that others can do for you. E.g. hiring someone to clean your home and do outside household chores; have your groceries delivered.
- Make time for self-care such as exercising, hobbies or other personally enjoyable activities. Remember that it is OK to do something just because you enjoy it.
- Plan to spend time with family and friends. Close relationships at work and at home improves well-being and reduces burnout.
- Plan time for a vacation with family and/or friends. It is important to re-charge your batteries on a regular basis.Adopting one or more of these suggestions will be helpful to your achieving a better Work-Life balance.