Actions that seem like 'good' or 'encouraged' workplace practices such as coming in early, skipping lunch breaks, leaving late, and being available 24/7 are not only bad for you, but they’re also bad for the company you work for. For most babes, the thought of scaling back at work slightly seems impossible and detrimental to your career. But here's some tips for achieving more balance and flourishing in your workplace.
1. The importance of taking care of yourself.
It's similar the the emergency flight analogy, you need to put your own oxygen mask on before you can help others. If you’re skipping meals, skipping workouts or staying up late to finish work, you won't be working at your best and it can easily lead to a burnout. Understand what you need in your life to help manage stress, keep you happy, energised and perform your best. These should be prioritised. A quick 20 min lunchtime workout may seem 'impossible' to fit in, but it will mean you are more productive, creative and achieving a lot more all afternoon.
2. Avoid over compensating.
The 'work hard, play hard' philosophy is a dangerous one! It’s important to avoid getting into negative behaviour patterns like drinking too much after a hard day, snacking on junk food when stressed or becoming heavily dependent on caffeine. Those might be indications that you’re pushing yourself beyond your limits and could be leading to burnout.
3. It's up to you to create boundaries.
Unfortunately, the onus is on yourself babe to set clear boundaries between work and play. Communicate your needs and limits with your boss before problems happen will make it easier for everyone. These can be boundaries you set for yourself, for example not checking your work email at certain times (like after 7 p.m.) to make it clear that you’re not constantly available.
4. Be honest.
Are you always over-promising and under-delivering? Maybe you’re taking on too much because you think you should. If you’re under-promising and over-delivering, you might be unconsciously following a strategy that prevents communicating your work reality to your boss.
The same rules should be applied even if you are your own boss. It can be even harder to impose this balance, but just as important for the benefit of your business and trust us, your sanity.
HL x
