How to Achieve Work-Life Balance Amid the Pandemic

Most of us are being affected by the unexpected shift of working trends due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A lot of companies either shut down or implemented work-from-home schedules. The current pandemic has created stress in personal finance, careers, and the whole economy. In times like this, how to achieve a work-life balance can be challenging, but it’s possible.

Benefits of Having a Work-Life Balance

Having a work-life balance is one of the goals of workers nowadays for the following reasons:

#1 Achieving a work-life balance can aid in reducing health-related issues like heart problems, stress, hypertension, and musculoskeletal issues.

#2 It creates a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction in someone’s personal and professional career.

#3 Work-life balance builds better teamwork and collaboration because it can help strengthen the relationship with your family and colleagues

#4 Creating a work-life balance helps improve productivity because workers will be working with great motivation and inspiration

Tips on How to Achieve a Work-Life Balance Amid the Pandemic

There are ways on how you can effectively create and achieve a work-life balance despite the effects of today’s pandemic. Below are some of them:

#1 Establish a routine.

It would be very helpful if there will be an organized routine to follow each day. But first, you should evaluate how many hours you would be allocated to work and your personal life each day. In this way, time management can be applied. List down your routine activities- how you will start the day and how you would end up each day’s activities. You should also have a strategy if there’s an absolutely urgent and crucial task to be completed. Take action immediately every time an issue arises. The key to creating an efficient routine is the ability to follow and stick to it.

#2 Take power breaks.

One of the challenges of working from home is that there can be a lot of distractions that may hamper you from accomplishing important tasks. You may become less focused, and that will significantly affect the quality of your work performance. Some workers easily get distracted with kids playing around or pets roaming in your working area. This is why it is advised to take power breaks, so you can resume your focus and get back to work feeling refreshed and energized. For instance, you can get up from your seat and do some desk exercises.

#3 Write down your thoughts and sentiments

During these hard times, life and work can be stressful. But that shouldn’t hinder you from keeping yourself inspired and motivated. It would be helpful if you could write down your thoughts, insights, and those that make you worried. This method can help you release negativity from your mind and stress from your body. It will also aid you in creating a better perspective on life and work.

#4 Stay connected through virtual interactions.

Communication really matters if you want to establish an effective work-life interaction. Use the power of technology to get connected with each other. Remember that this pandemic is affecting the whole world. Seeing each one and asking how each other is doing can help uplift spirits and promote camaraderie. Tools like Zoom, Skype, Slack, and some project management tools should be utilized to ensure you’re all virtually connected.

#5 Always keep a notepad for taking down notes.

You may already have a list of things to complete within a day. However, there are times when we suddenly remember something and need not miss it. There should be a way for you to remind yourself about it. Keep a handy notepad and pen so that you can write a reminder. It will be an effective way to balance your work and personal life because you will not spend so much time remembering what you’ve missed.

#6 Download and use a productivity app.

 A productivity app can help you stay focused on the list of tasks that you need to focus on. As mentioned earlier, there can be several distractions while working at home. This is why it will be helpful if you can utilize a tool to help you maintain your focus at work. There are various productivity apps that you can download, install and use while at work. Use them wisely by checking their various features.

#7 Learn to prioritize.

A to-do list may sound too classic already, but yes, it will always be helpful. Learn to prioritize what really matters- be it at work and your personal life. In life, there are instances we need to alter some things because they can only contribute to stress and procrastination. Do not let pressure take charge of you. Establish reasonable goals and expectations and double the efforts to achieve them.

#8 Learn how to become sustainable beyond this pandemic

Still, having a job during this pandemic is something to be grateful for. That is why your work should be treated as one of your topmost priorities. Never compromise the work results and the quality of your performance. Assist other members of your team to cope up with the increasing demands of tasks and how to stay productive despite the difficult times.

#9 Learn how to delegate tasks

The tasks can be overwhelming sometimes. Instead of forcing yourself to handle everything, delegate some other tasks to your team members. The same goes for the activities at home. Other home activities can be assigned to other members of the family. Not only will it aid you to save time, but you will also help instill discipline and responsibility to your loved ones.

#10 Stay healthy and happy

Your mind and body work together. Poor physical health status can negatively impact your work performance. When your mind is overwhelmed with stress, your body will also be adversely affected. Make sure to take care of your mind and body. Always go for a healthy diet. Do some exercise routines to help you stabilize your mood and improve self-esteem.

At work, make sure to apply proper ergonomics. Your workplace should be a place that provides comfort and productivity. Use standing desks and other ergonomic accessories to ensure getting rid of posture-related issues.

Final Thoughts

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are alarming. However, this has taught us a lot of lessons in life. Be grateful for still having your job. Love it and always aim to create a work-life balance. Consider the tips mentioned above, and you’ll be on the right track of productivity.