Many of us struggle with or complain about not maintaining a healthy “Work-Life balance”– but have we questioned what it really means? As it happens, work-life balance doesn’t imply distributing equal time to everything we have going on. It just means we must indulge in activities that make us feel good to meet our emotional needs. We are an entire generation that moved past craving stability, to wanting satisfaction– in work and in life. 

There is no perfect formula for achieving this but here are some ways you can keep up with various aspects of work and life for your mental wellbeing–

Get your priorities right

Maintain a journal and write down your priorities. For example “work, exercise, hobbies” and so on. See how much time you’re actually spending on each. If not, start putting aside dedicated time for activities that make you feel better.

Maintain boundaries

Small gestures like informing your co-workers that you will not be checking emails during the weekends. Even directing all work notifications to a separate device can help you reclaim time away from responsibilities when needed. 

Wake up early

 This way, you can get a few extra hours for yourself. You can use the time to pursue a hobby, spend alone-time, exercise, read a few pages of your favourite book or simply watch something that can add value to your wellbeing. Starting the day on the right note can go a long way in managing stress through the day. 

Divide chores

Using up your “life” part of the “work-life” to do chores around the house may not give you the mental satisfaction for you to feel refreshed. Make sure some of your time away from work is ‘chore-free’. 

Take time to wind down after work

Be it a long shower or watching an episode of your favourite TV show, be sure to spend time doing something that relaxes you. This assures a sense of leisure before hitting the sack.