Work-life balance

Picture this, two demanding children, two new kittens (with a dog), a deadline looming and emails increasing by the second…this is my reality and what I do to try and get the work-life balance right!

The work-life balance is more of a survival strategy and whilst I would love to say I have mastered it, there are some days that go to plan and others when I genuinely feel like I am part of a circus act!

For me, organisation is KEY to getting the balance right and ensuring that I can be a good mum (who doesn’t miss the school bake sale or wrong socks day), but also is in control of my workload and is feeling accomplished at work. 

Now, don’t get me wrong, a “Life PA” would be wonderful to have, but in the absence of that there are some things I have found to be really beneficial to staying in the middle of that seesaw.  

So, what are my top tips for juggling it all?

• Set boundaries: It sounds simple, but define your working hours and stick to them! Make sure your colleagues are aware of what these are if they are outside of the “norm” and don’t be afraid to block out time in the diary when you know you have to hit that deadline.

• Prioritise tasks: Focus on what really is the top priority and then see if there are other tasks that can be delegated – remember, not being able to do everything at once is not a sign of weakness and the quicker you let go of that thought gremlin, the less stressed you become!

• Take breaks: Short pauses throughout the day really do reduce stress and boost productivity. We’ve all had those days when our diaries are literally back-to-back meetings, but if you can pause in-between them, even if it is for a couple of minutes, you will be amazed at how much more effective and present you are.

• Stay connected: Communicate with your line manager about your workload and expectations. I guess, don’t suffer in silence!

• Make time for you: Now this is probably one of the most important, but whether it is a walk before/after work or during your lunch break, listening to a podcast, or taking a few moments to practice mindfulness/meditation, make sure you set aside time to recharge regularly, you will be a happier person for it!

Sounds easy, doesn’t it?! In an ideal world, it is, but fear not, for the realists among us, there is help at hand!

A few years ago, I had never really felt the need to practice mindfulness and had no clue how to meditate and whilst I am no pro, I have found the HeadSpace app really effective! 

Now, I know what you’re thinking “I am already super busy and I don’t have time to get to grips with a new app!” but whether you need to just stop and clear your head, or you need help winding down and getting to sleep, there are options available for you to use and they really do make a difference. So remember, balance isn’t about perfection, it is about finding little pockets of peace. And if all else fails, there’s always chocolate!

This blog was written by Zia Duval, People advisor.