Global Workplace Analytics recently shared a growing trend - working from home.
As of March 20, 2020, 3.6% (or five million) U.S. workers are working remotely at least part-time. In today's fast-paced society, that means we must be intentional at creating a work-life balance.
Unfortunately, according to the U.S. Travel Association, Americans let 768 million days of vacation go unused in 2018.
Hilton Grand Vacations believes in the importance of reconnecting with loved ones and that living a satisfying life are to professional productivity.
All that to say, creating a work-life balance isn't a luxury but is critical to your job performance.
I'm a self-proclaimed work-life balance expert, and I want to share the inside scoop on how I manage the juggle struggle.
As I write this, I'm relaxing on the couch on a family vacation at Valdoro Mountain Lodge in Breckenridge, Colorado, and I recall the days when taking vacations was virtually impossible for me.
My mind was always on work, while I simultaneously was trying to raise my two young sons and keep my life in order. Years ago, I realized my life was lacking passion and fulfillment, and I finally made it a priority to hack this work-life balance thing.
I know I'm not the only one who has this challenge, so I want to share some tips and strategies to help you balance work and play.
The very first step in figuring out how to find balance is to ask yourself, "What do I REALLY want?" This isn't just making a list of the material things you want to buy, but knowing what would make your life feel complete. These desires could be the impact you want to make on the world, the experiences you want to have or time spent with the people you keep close to your heart.
Once you know what it is you truly want, it's time to create some self-awareness around your current lifestyle.
In what ways are you living the life you truly want? Where may you be falling short? This exercise should not create judgment around where you are in life, but rather, help you understand where you are in comparison to where you want to be.
Start brainstorming plans to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want o be.
Know that a balanced life cannot happen overnight, but with firm intentions and understanding your values, you can slowly start working toward a life you crave.
It's also important to know that any plans you make toward your new lifestyle goals should remain flexible. Sometimes, it takes focused plans to achieve what you want. Other times, it helps to stay open-minded, so our lives may naturally lead us to where we want to be.
Remain open to the process!
Finally, holding yourself accountable is crucial.The only one who can create balance in your life is YOU. It will take constant reflection and planning. It will require you to practice gratitude and patience.
Enlist support from others to help keep you moving toward your goals. Creating balance isn't always simple because life can throw curve balls at any time. Priorities may shift or unexpected situations occur (like suddenly working from home). But I promise the payoff is worth it to be happier and content with your life!
You've got this!
Self-care is another key component of maintaining work-life balance. Be sure to check out 7 Fitness Apps for Anytime, Anywhere Workouts.