You may have noticed by now that I’ve successfully achieved a work-life balance, even as a busy executive. I prioritize health and fitness, engage in philanthropy, rediscovered my passion for writing, routinely read a good book and make time for friends and family. However, it wasn’t always this way. In the past, I struggled to find a balance between my demanding career and my personal life. I had a negative reputation as a workaholic leader who expected the same level of dedication from my employees. Reaching a point where I prioritize my personal life as much as my career has been an incredible accomplishment.
Empty nesting has been a game-changer for me in finding work-life balance. Not having to juggle the active lives of my two children has left me with more free time. But for those of you that haven’t reached the empty nest milestone, there is still hope for a balanced life. Even before my boys left home, I began to address the challenge of balancing work and self-care. The COVID-19 pandemic forced me to reevaluate everything, including the cost of overworking and neglecting self-care. It made me realize the importance of prioritizing my own well-being and reassessing my priorities for the benefit of both myself and my employees.
Here are four strategies that have helped me maintain work-life balance:
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- Assign yourself projects at home:
By giving our home a complete overhaul, including remodeling the kitchen and bathrooms and updating the furnishings, I created fun and exciting projects that I could look forward to after work. These projects also allowed my husband and me to spend quality time together. When you find yourself slipping back into workaholic mode, assign yourself another at home project, no matter how small. Whether it’s decluttering your living space, tackling a DIY project, or simply spending quality time with loved ones, these home projects provide a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. They also create a clear separation between work and personal life. - Prioritize a hobby:
Set a weekly schedule and stick to it, whether it’s before or after work. Find a hobby that you enjoy and make it a priority. For me, fitness became my hobby. I started slow and built up consistency, avoiding over commitment to prevent burnout. - Take mini-vacations throughout your workday:
During times of high workload, such as tax season or year-end close, it’s important to find moments of relaxation and stress relief throughout the day. Schedule short breaks for activities like a nail appointment during lunch or outdoor walking or biking meetings with team members. These breaks can provide a much-needed reprieve from work stress. If the workload becomes unbearable with no end in sight, it may be necessary to reassess your job or career path. - Deprioritize everything else and make time for at least one self-care day a month:
Make self-care a priority by setting aside at least one day a month dedicated to taking care of yourself. While I personally believe that self-care should be a daily practice to prevent burnout, I understand that transitioning from being a workaholic takes time. Start by committing to one day a month and gradually increase the frequency as you become more comfortable. Use this day to indulge in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Treat yourself to a fresh new hairstyle at the hair salon or pamper yourself with an extended spa day, complete with a massage, facial, or a detoxifying session in the steam room. Remember, you deserve this time to recharge and rejuvenate.
- Assign yourself projects at home:
Whether you’re a working professional or you work within the home taking care of your family, finding work-life balance is indeed an ongoing journey. By implementing these strategies, I’ve been able to prioritize my personal life while still excelling in my career. Not only has this shift benefited me, but it has also had a positive impact on my employees. They have noticed the change in my approach and have felt a sense of relief and more balance themselves. It’s important to remember to take care of yourself and make time for the things that bring you joy and fulfillment. By doing so, you not only improve your own well-being but also create a healthier and more productive work environment for everyone involved.
