Mid-year: Which Half is Your Glass?
June is a great time to reflect on how your year is going. Are you achieving your goals? Feeling motivated? Happy?
Or are you worn down, distracted, or feel like you’re falling short?
It’s normal to experience personal and work-related ups and downs. Perhaps your glass is half-full right now, and you want to sustain that momentum for the rest of the year. Or perhaps your glass is half-empty, and you’d like to get on a better path before year’s end.
No matter whether you’re up or down, full or empty, you can take simple steps to improve or sustain your work-life balance and look after your well-being.
Use your time wisely
Your time is a precious resource. So use it wisely!
These tips can help you better safeguard your time, so you can focus on what matters most.
Identify your priorities. Decide what’s most important right now and for the next few months. Then devote more of your time and energy to focus on these key areas.
Use time blocking. Group related tasks and block out time for them – this will help you power through them more efficiently. Turn off your phone notifications, ignore calls and emails (if possible), and dig in.
Decline, delay, or delegate tasks. If you have tasks that don’t align well with your priorities, can you decline them (with a polite but firm “No”)? Or delay them – put them on hold for now? Another option might be to hand off (delegate) less important tasks to more junior members of your team, or an assistant.
Set boundaries. There’s always another email to read or call to make. Setting clear boundaries for yourself is key. Decide when your workday will start and end, and have a plan for handling emails, calls and texts outside those work hours.
Look after your wellbeing
There is only one you. Today and every day, look after your wellbeing so you can (in turn) be there for your clients, colleagues, family and friends.
Eat well. Drink less coffee, tea, and alcohol, and eat nourishing foods every day.
Stay active. Go for a walk or a bike ride, dance, dig in the garden, or find other activities you enjoy. Getting regular physical activity can help your body stay healthy and can help you manage stress.
Get enough sleep. Stick to a routine and make sure you get enough sleep each day.
Stay connected with friends and family. Staying in touch is incredibly important for your wellbeing. Have a quick video chat with a friend, plan a game or movie night with your family, or just send a silly meme to someone you care about.
Make time for personal hobbies. Set aside time to do something you enjoy, to help keep your passion and inspiration flowing.
If you could use tips or assistance to better manage your time, set priorities, and find a healthy work-life balance, contact us to find out how we can turn busy into productive.