Let’s be honest: we’re all working harder than ever. We’re sitting more, staring at screens for longer periods of time and trying to stay sane! Wherever we’re working these days, we’re searching for some form of work-life balance.
Here’s a few tips on how to stay healthy, be productive, keep an upbeat outlook by finding balance during and beyond work hours.
Talk to people!
Many companies have returned to the office safely with special social distancing and workspace precautions. The good news about working in an office is you get some (distanced) face-to-face interaction! Seeing someone in person is an entirely different experience than seeing someone on a screen.
Take advantage of this in-person goodness if you have the opportunity to. If you have a question, walk around the office to your coworker or boss’s desk and chat with them. Asking questions and talking face-to-face can help everyone communicate better than in a chat message.
Be mindful of everyone’s space, of course, and follow up with your team in an email so you can document the in-person conversation and keep track of the details.
Message your team
If you’re working from home, make it a point to message your teammates. Give suggestions when the higher-ups ask for feedback. Comment on a chat thread. Share something fun you did over the weekend, even if all you did was play Among Us or binge watch the Mandalorian. (I like to send Devan SpongeBob memes and share my Star Wars progress with Kevin.)
Staying in touch virtually can help strengthen your working relationship with your coworkers and to stay top of mind with your boss.
Get comfortable
Working in an office means in-person interactions and…sometimes creaky office chairs. Bring a pillow for some back support (or add it to your at-home setup if you’re working remotely).
Bed, Bath & Beyond is a good place to find cozy yet chic pillows. If your setup is more laid back, a Pillow Pet will work just fine. The penguin cushion has been my go-to to support my back.
Another option for comfort: think about investing in keyboard and mouse cushions (or talk with your boss to see if this can be covered by the company). Cushions, and even a split keyboard, can help alleviate the strain we put on our wrists 8+ hours a day.
Take a lunch break
Lunch during work hours is still a thing where we need to remind ourselves to step away from our job. Do something that doesn’t involve a screen to give your eyes and your mind a break.
Being mindful of everyone’s comfort level, you can also invite your coworker to an in-person lunch or a virtual lunch for a one-on-one chat. This is a good way to get to catch up with friends and coworkers to fill up your cup.
Get moving
Fitbit recommends that you walk 250 steps per hour, and even 10,000 steps per day, depending on your fitness goals. Set a reasonable goal for yourself. Try the 250 steps per hour. You can track your activity on your phone using the Health app for iOS, or the Fitbit app for any device (even if you don’t own a Fitbit device). You can even set reminders to get up and walk each hour!
When I worked in an office, I had an accountability partner who walked with me in our office hallway. If we needed a few extra steps one hour, we’d take a long walk around the office to walk in between every aisle of the office.
You don’t have to go the extreme, but standing up to walk is a great way to remind your body that hey, I’m still here and I want to move!
Remember the 20-20-20 rule too: look away from your screen every 20 minutes for 20 seconds at something 20 feet away.
Turn off the computer
When you leave the office, leave the work there! Turn your computer off. Don’t check your work email or your work programs when you’re at home unless it’s part of your job description.
State your “termination phrase” to train your mind that it’s time to clock out and go home (or walk in the other room if you’re at home). Wind down with your favorite tunes, a book, some food…whatever it is that works for you!
It can be difficult to shut down at first, but it will do wonders for your health.
The Do’s
- DO find what works for you.
- I can recommend things all day that might help with finding work-life balance, but everyone will find something different that works for them!
- DO find time to do things you enjoy, even if it’s just 10 – 15 minutes of writing, singing, or playing a game every day.
- Develop short, healthy habits that will fill you up outside of work. You can add time to those activities as you feel more comfortable.
- DO get fresh air.
- Give your mind and your eyes a break with some fresh sights of nature and sunlight.
- DO stick to your schedule.
The Don’ts
- DON’T leave your computer in the same room as where you sleep.
- If you have a desk in your bedroom, try to leave your computer somewhere outside of your room to establish boundaries.
- DON’T work outside of your scheduled hours unless you absolutely need to (ex: passion project, candidate work, etc.).
- Again, establish those boundaries for yourself! You deserve it.
- DON’T make work your everything.
- I’ve made this mistake, getting lost in my work and my career. When previous jobs let me down, I let that affect my whole mood and outlook.
- Find things outside of work to enjoy!
Get to finding your work-life balance
Finding the “perfect” balance might never happen, so do what works best for you! Filling up your cup first will help you be productive and find happiness in all aspects of your life!
If you’ve got work-life balance down and need help building your team, we can help with that! Contact our team today and we’ll help find top-notch talent to grow your company.
