How to Keep a Work/Life Balance When You Work From Home
We just returned from a much-needed family vacation and it feels good to get back into work mode. However, before we left on the trip, our kids asked us to ditch the 'business talk' while we were away.
If you're a small business owner, you understand how easy it is to let business leak into every area of your life. So how can you create a separation and strike a balance between your work and your home environment, even if you work from home?
It's not always easy, but it's worthwhile to develop some strategies that will not only benefit your mental health, but reduce burnout and keep your creative ideas flowing.
The Importance of Detaching From Work
As small business owners, we are all too familiar with the urge to constantly be 'on the go'. Whether we're creating new products, advertising, or fulfilling orders, we rarely find the time to really detach ourselves from the grind of building up our small business. However, we often underestimate the importance of relaxing, and taking time to ourselves. By immersing ourselves with work alone, we end up hindering our ability to really appreciate our business, and instead spend more of our time wishing we could finally take a break. This is what we like to call, burning out.
Recognizing the Signs of a Burnout
Have you ever spent an entire day glued to your computer screen? If you have, you're likely familiar with the draining feeling that follows. Even if you're sitting on a nice comfortable couch, It can seem like all your mental energy has been drained, leaving you ready to crash by 5pm. These feelings aren't just exhausting, but they are also horrible for your health. According to a study conducted by Harvard Medical School, extensive use of digital devices can seriously impact brain function and development, inhibiting the brains natural processes of building and pruning neural connections, and ultimately hindering your ability to develop cognitively and display creativity. If you find yourself feeling consistently worn out, unfocused, or less creative, it might be time to assess your work habits and consider if you're experiencing signs of burnout.
Effective Detachment Strategies
To avoid burning out, it is necessary to identify strategies for separating your work and personal life. One highly effective method is maintaining distinct spaces for work and relaxation. While not everyone has the luxury of a private office room, you can still designate specific areas in your home for work—preferably not your bedroom. It may sound ridiculous, right? You might think how comfortable you are lying in bed while handling those dull morning meetings. However, though you may feel physically relaxed, the impact on your brain is anything but relaxing, leaving you feeling exhausted every morning and restless every night.
Regularly Scheduled Breaks
A second suggestion, which may seem obvious to some, is to regularly schedule breaks for yourself. For many of us, while working on large tasks and battling time constraints, it is tempting to skip break times and work late in hopes of getting ahead of our stress. Makes sense, right? Actually, by forcing ourselves to go through the entire day without a break, we end up feeling much more exhausted and find ourselves dragging through task after task with minimal effort. Simply put, you are left exhausted. Instead, by taking necessary breaks throughout the day, you won't feel quite as overworked, and you'll find you can still enjoy your evening—whether that’s going to the gym, meeting up with friends, or just relaxing—without feeling like catching up on personal errands is completely futile.
Self-Care as a Business Strategy
Though it might sound trivial, prioritizing self-care during your workday, particularly when working from home, is crucial. We’re not just talking about basic hygiene like taking a shower and wearing deodorant—though those are important, too! We recommend integrating self-care activities into your work routine to maintain both physical and mental health. Consider standing at a tall counter while working, wearing a posture corrector, or even walking on a treadmill desk. Simple actions like dressing well and grooming yourself as if you were heading to an office can significantly boost your morale and productivity. It’s easy to start the day in pajamas, but you'll likely find that taking some time to shower, have breakfast, and mentally prepare can profoundly impact your productivity and mindset throughout the day.
Incorporating regular breaks and committed self-care into your work routine isn't just beneficial; it's essential for long-term productivity and personal well-being. By respecting your need for rest and self-maintenance, you set the stage for sustained professional success and a healthier, more enjoyable lifestyle. Remember, true productivity isn't about how many hours you can stay glued to your screen; it’s about how effectively you can balance work with essential rest and personal care.
As you continue to navigate the complexities of balancing home and work life, consider these strategies not just as recommendations, but as fundamental components of a thriving professional life. So, take that break, prioritize self-care, and watch as your productivity—and happiness—soar.