Work-life balance is a sense that you’re able to meet your obligations at work and at home while having time to enjoy your hobbies and interests in your personal time. The perfect ratio of work to home looks different to everyone.
Importance of work-life balance:
Although work-life balance looks different to everyone, being on-call every evening and weekend for years is not sustainable. Having enough time for work and your personal life is essential for your well-being and can lead to a more fulfilling life, both at home and in the office. Some of the benefits of work-life balance are:
Improved Physical Health: Spending too many hours working can lead to stress that weakens the immune system, giving way to frequent bouts of illness. A healthy work-life balance protects your health, which means you’ll take fewer sick days and have more energy for your activities.
Higher Productivity: When you feel unbalanced, your mind can wander to the things you wish you were doing. When you feel you have time for both work and play, projects go smoothly because you can focus on one thing at a time.
Career Advancement: If you’re not getting projects completed on time, have mind-drift during meetings, and wake up dreading going to work, chances are you’re not going to be the first person your boss thinks of when it’s time for a raise or promotion. Making enough time for sleep and exercise helps you fully participate and be present at work to keep you on track for advancement.
More Creativity: Creativity is essential when you’re solving problems. When your life is balanced, ideas flow more easily, and solutions to problems are more apparent.
Happiness: It can be difficult to define what happiness is. But you sure know what it’s like to be unhappy! Looking forward to work, taking on new projects with a “can-do” attitude, and simple contentment with the small things are signs of happiness.
