Recent studies highlight that Australians are becoming increasingly unhappy with their work life balance. More than one-fifth of Australians spend 48 hours or more at work each week, and 60% do not take regular holidays. This is leading to a large impact on health, including cardiovascular illness and depression issues. If this sounds like you, maybe it is time for get some work life balance back into your life.

Look after YOU

Your health should be your number one priority. If you are unwell it will affect every aspect of your life. Stress is one of the biggest triggers for poor health. To combat this make sure to eat well, exercise at least 3 times a week and get sufficient sleep.

Take some ‘me’ time

Even though there already seems to be not enough hours in the day, schedule of couple of “me” hours a week. This doesn’t need to be extravagant, just some time to let your mind have a rest and for your body to recharge. It might be to read a novel, participate in a favourite activity or even go for a bush walk.

Work Smarter Not Harder

Poor time management can mean the loss of valuable hours and an increase in your stress levels at both home and work. Use these simple techniques to help manage your work load:
1. Create a to-do list and prioritise the tasks on that list
2. Share your workload (both at home and at work)
3. Set yourself time limits for your jobs.

Separate your work and personal life

Technology has provided an opportunity to work remotely. We can now check our emails or surf the web wherever we are. While this is supposed to have made our lives easier, it has also meant that people feel obligated to keep working even from home.

Learn to turn off the computer after hours and resist checking your emails at all hours of the day and night. Ideally the minute you leave the office, you should leave your working life behind. For many this isn’t possible, but be sure to give yourself plenty of “unplugged” time during your weekends and nights — that means no laptop, no email and no mobile phone.

Flexible employment

There has been movement in the employment sector to provide more working options including flexible hours, working from home, job sharing, onsite childcare facilities and family-friendly offices. If these options are not available talk to your employer.

Use up your annual leave

Most of us are granted four weeks or more annual leave a year but not always take it. Remember it’s there for a reason – to provide you with some much needed rest and relaxation. If you have a stockpile of annual leave, book in a holiday today.

Sources:
Worklifeplay.com
www.abc.net.au – Article Australians unhappy with work life balance
yourlifeworks.ninemsn.com.au – Tips for Work Life Balance