Photo by Loic Leray via Unsplash

by mikkie mills, guest contributor

A proper work-life balance is more difficult to maintain today with the rise of technology than it was years ago. In a dream world, you'd be able to work your shift and go home to do whatever leisure activity you please. However, now people work longer hours overall and often take their work home with them, either by way of worry and stress or by literally doing work-related tasks from their houses.

As many jobs become work-from-home opportunities, the line between personal and professional lives continues to blur and overlap. The less time you make for yourself, the more you'll begin to suffer mentally and physically. Here are some ways to keep the balance you need to stay happy and healthy.

Find a Job You Enjoy

Your job only seems like work if you hate what you do. Struggling to get out of bed to go somewhere you don't want to be for the next eight hours can affect other parts of your life. That dread you feel each day is a sign you need to switch up your occupation. 

You don't have to love everything about your job. Most people don't. However, it would help if you were passionate about what you do. Your boss should make the employee experience something that makes you want to go back and continue doing your best. If you're happy with your job, your personal life will follow suit.

Leave Work on Time

If you have a scheduled time to leave, do so regularly. Occasionally you may have to stay to complete assignments, but don't make it a normal occurrence. Although you want to be a productive employee, working more can have the opposite effect. Additionally, the extra work hours can lead to several health ailments, including heart disease and obesity. 

Take Breaks

To help you stay motivated throughout the workday, take short breaks to give your mind and body some time to refresh themselves. Taking a quick 20-minute recess to stretch, have a snack or take a walk will make the day go faster and help you to enhance your performance.

If you have a desk job, sitting for hours on end can raise your risk of having high blood pressure, a stroke, diabetes, or heart disease. Taking periodic breaks to move around reduces the likelihood you'll suffer from these severe issues.

Disconnect To Focus on Yourself

Focusing on work all of the time can drain you. Separate yourself from it when possible. For example, rather than fretting about the day ahead while driving to work, listen to your favorite tunes. If you take public transportation, consider reading a book or filling out a puzzle. Do something other than think about the day. Deal with work when you get there, not before.

Sometimes you need a more extended break, which is understandable. Everyone requires time to relax and regroup. In this case, take a few days to focus on your needs with either a staycation or a vacation. If you're worried that the work will pile up while you're away, put those fears aside, as the benefits of getting away far outweigh the setbacks. If you plan to take a few days off in advance, a fellow employee will probably help take care of your work while you're away.

Make Fun Plans

Remember that your job doesn't define who you are. You had needs and wants before you started working in your current position, and you shouldn't leave the person you were behind.

To ensure you get the most out of your personal life, make plans to do things you enjoy, such as exercising, painting or cooking, and spending time with people you love. Be proactive and set aside blocks of time for these purposes. Doing so will help you keep your priorities straight.

While you'd probably prefer not to have to work, only a few people can get away with this luxury. Everyone else has to find a balance between their job and personal lives. You can achieve this equilibrium by keeping employment-related concerns at work and taking time to fulfill your individual needs.

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