With the proliferation of remote work and technology that allows us to be connected all of the time, it’s more difficult than ever to have a healthy work-life balance. But in order to be at the top of your game at work, you also need to find time for family and personal life. 

If you feel as though every day revolves around work, here are some tips you can follow to have a better work-life balance.

Make a Schedule

Part of striking a healthy work-life balance is staying organized and practicing effective time management. Too often we don’t have a plan and things go haywire. That’s why you should try and have a schedule each day. 

The schedule should include time for both work and life. Along with your meetings and work projects, make time on your schedule for things like hobbies and family time. That way you are starting every day with the intention to balance your time between work and life. 

Of course, you never know what each day will bring, so make sure to build some flexibility into your schedule. 

Use Your PTO

Even though many employers provide paid time off (PTO), not everyone uses it. According to Zippia, 55% of workers don’t use all of their paid time off. 

Why aren’t people taking time off if it’s available? Many feel guilty about using their PTO. They stress about letting down their boss or their team. IF you want a healthy work-life balance, you need to learn to let go of this type of thinking. 

Your employer gave you PTO for a reason, so use it! As long as you work ahead and make sure someone can cover for you while you’re out, you shouldn’t feel guilty at all about using your PTO. 

Unplug after work 

Nowadays we are always connected to work. We are constantly inundated with notifications on our phones, emails, calls, and other communications. And with the expansion of remote work, we are now more connected than ever. 

To achieve a positive work-life balance, you need to unplug when possible after work. Turn off your phone, silence notifications — do whatever you need to do to disconnect from work. If you don’t unplug for a bit, it’s almost as if you never leave work. For a good work-life balance, it’s vital that you have time each day to separate yourself from work and recharge. 

Don’t Take On More Than You Can Handle 

People who are motivated and driven tend to overschedule themselves. They say yes to everything, even if their schedule is already jam-packed. If this sounds familiar, you need to learn to say no when it is appropriate.

Don’t feel obligated to always take on extra tasks. Overscheduling yourself will only lead to an unhealthy work-life balance. Don’t take on more than you can handle and learn to say no.

Practice Self-Care 

The most important thing you can do to have a solid work-life balance is practice self-care. 

In order to be healthy, do well at your job, and have energy for your personal life, self-care is vital. Self-care could mean different things for different people. Some things to consider are eating better, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of rest. You could also look into things like yoga and meditation. Whatever you choose to do, make it a habit.

Take the Next Step In Your Career

Are you unable to have a healthy work-life balance at your current job? It could be time to consider making a career move. If you’re ready to move your career forward, contact Burchard & Associates. We help accounting and finance professionals find career opportunities in St. Louis and beyond. Check out our available positions or contact us today to learn more about how we can help with your job search.