3 reasons why work-life balance is important

We live in a very fast-paced world and therefore the ability to achieve work-life balance is becoming more and more difficult.

Employers expect more from staff, and we put more pressure on ourselves to achieve greater results. But when did it become OK for our 9am to 5pm working day to become 8am to 7pm?  Many of us have allowed this to happen, whether it is through conforming to workplace culture, or feeling obliged to put in the extra hours, but this should not be the case.

Maintaining work-life balance is not only important for our personal health and relationships, but it can also improve the efficiency of our work performance. So why are we on this crazy treadmill? If you need further convincing take a read.

1. We become less susceptible to burnouts

While stress is normal for every job, burnouts are not. According to “The Help Guide” burnouts occur – when you feel overwhelmed and unable to meet constant demands.  Allowing work stress to enter into your home life is one of the primary indicators that you are not achieving a work life balance.

2. Attention is paid where due

If you leave work at the office, your full attention will be on your home life and giving your relationships the attention they deserve. Similarly, if you are in the office, greater focus should be paid on the tasks at hand. This then will make you more efficient at work.

3. We experience fewer health problems

We all know that when we are run down, tired or stressed our immune system suffers.  Resulting in less serious conditions such as the flu, to much more serious health issues. Take the time to look after yourself, by exercising, eating well and relaxing, this will limit your health problems and make you more efficient in all other areas of your life.

Here are but a few myths we tell each other, that need changing:

• I’ll stay up late and get it done.
• Being a team player means always saying yes.
• More is better than less.
• I have to do this.
• If everyone is doing it then I need to do it.
• If you can fit it in, you should fit it in.
• I’m too busy living to think about life.

Remember the saying that goes, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always gotten.” So take time to pause and think, where do I need to make changes? What is making me happy and what is not?