Work & Life: Live The Best of Both Worlds

You know you need to hit the gym but last-minute work keeps getting in the way... Supposed to meet a friend but had to cancel because of a project deadline? Been crashing late at night because you’ve been crunching numbers and working on that major presentation?

Sounds like you're having a major crisis at maintaining a healthy work-life balance!

You may think it’s OK to let work take priority in your life, especially when you’re trying to get promoted. But be careful - all work and no play not only makes you dull but also stressed out, physically and mentally tired, out of touch with what’s happening around you, and in the long run, it can lead to burnouts. According to an article on Business Today, 58% of Malaysian employees state that they suffer from burnout and 51% agree that they have an average or even poor work-life balance. That’s an awfully high number and you don’t want to be part of it.

The key? Achieve balance! How? Try these tips and tricks:

You’re in good hands when you set boundaries
This means having a clear line between your work and personal life. You wouldn’t want to be replying to emails over brunch on a Sunday afternoon with friends. This will only pull you away from creating tighter bonds with the people who matter in your life. Keep it for until you’re back in the office the next day - nobody is reading their emails on Sundays anyway.

Time is of the essence
Wasting time is usually done without even realising it. Make a list of your tasks and prioritise them according to their urgency and importance. This way, you don’t waste time on unimportant tasks and can make more time for the ones that do need extra attention. At the same time, you get to save up more time for yourself once you’re all done! That self-care routine has been waiting for you all week.

Take breaks
When you’re at work, take short breaks throughout the day to unwind around the office or even outside. When off work, engage in activities that help you relax, such as reading a book, going for a walk, or spending time with loved ones. Remember that taking breaks is not a sign of weakness but rather a strategy to help you be more productive and focused. Your mind and body will thank you later.

Practice self-care
Think of self-care as your personal spa day, except it’s not just a one-time treat - it’s a consistent ritual. Nourish your mind, body, and soul with activities that bring you joy, ease stress, and promote well-being. Examples are getting enough sleep, eating healthy, exercising, and engaging in activities you enjoy.

Support above all else
Having a great support system matters most. It’s a great feeling knowing that you can reach out to colleagues or friends when you need help with tasks or responsibilities. When you need advice in terms of life or work, best to seek advice from family or mentors. Never hesitate when you need support; speak out instead of bottling everything up as the latter will only add more fire to the fuel. Support systems matter when it comes to achieving a healthy work-life balance.

Photo by Levi Guzman on Unsplash.