Picture your day, what does it look like? Do you wake up early, rush to work, stare at the laptop for hours, and come back home to have a short sleep? Unfortunately, it’s not a once-in-a-blue-moon thing but a way of life.
We get it; adulthood comes with numerous financial responsibilities. It becomes crucial to work to pay the bills. But it doesn’t mean that we have to compromise our sleep and harm our mental health in the process.
That’s the last thing your body and mind want. They deserve a break and you deserve good sleep and good mental health. This is where a work-life balance approach comes in.
A work-life balance is important not only for your body but for your mental health. Simply ask yourself, don’t you ever wish to break away from your mundane schedule and have a good night’s sleep? If that’s what you want, you deserve to have it.
But in between the day’s busy schedule, how do you achieve a work-life balance for better sleep and mental health? We’ll let you know the same in this article. So, sit back and keep reading.
Learn to say a NO
Going along the same lines, you need to learn to say NO to others. Just remember, there is only so much you can take on your plate. If you think a task would require you to work beyond your office hours, you have to say a NO. It’s okay to take up work when it’s urgent or you have already made a commitment, but it’s not okay if it becomes a pattern.
Set boundaries
Did you ever work beyond your working hours to finish up a task that did not have to go urgently? We are certain there were numerous such instances.
Sometimes, it’s not others but ourselves who are solely responsible for a poor work-life balance. It’s important to set boundaries for yourself. If you can finish a task later, and get out a little early to spend time with yourself, it is okay.
Prioritize
Multitasking doesn’t always work in a professional environment. It only leaves a bunch of unfinished tasks on your table. Not to mention that it affects the quality of work as you have to redirect your attention repeatedly.
So, instead of opting for multitasking, you should prioritize. Focus on what’s more important and one thing at a time. We assure you there’s no joy like crossing out one thing at a time on your to-do list.
Plan your travel better
For most of us, it’s not our job but commuting that takes most of our time. So, here are two things that you can do.
#1, shift to a nearby location. It might affect your budget a little, but it’s worth it if it helps you have better sleep and better mental health in the end.
#2, if shifting is not on the cards, try to get to work a little early. The earlier you come and finish your tasks, the earlier you can leave. This way, you will have plenty more time for yourself.
Limit gadgets before sleep
There are a number of things that can affect your sleep. One of them is gadgets. Your sleep can be affected if you tend to use your mobile phones hours before you sleep. The blue light emitted from your mobile screen limits the production of melatonin, a hormone that is responsible for your sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm).
Hence, try to not use your phone just before your bedtime to ensure that you have a deep and peaceful sleep.
Exercise
Research shows that exercise can have a significant impact on your mental health. This is because exercise increases the production of Serotonin, Dopamine, and Endorphins, which are also known as the happy hormones in the body. In addition, exercise can also enhance the quality of your sleep.
Pamper yourself with self-care
Who doesn’t love to be pampered? You don’t always have to wait for others to pamper you when you can do it yourself. Pampering is an important aspect of self-care that can remind you that you have a life outside the office.
So, you can pamper yourself by reading a good book, binge-watching television series, or having your favourite food, whatever makes you feel better. However, make sure you don’t compromise on your sleep for the sake of it. It is suggested that you do it before bedtime.
Take care of your nutrient intake
If you are struggling with light sleep, chances are you are eating less than you should. A diet rich in fibre can make you feel full and enhance the quality of sleep. So, instead of skipping your dinner, eat a nutrient-rich meal to have a sound sleep.
Bottom line
Work-life balance has become a much-needed approach in today’s time. It does not elude your work responsibilities but helps you strike a balance between work and personal life. A work-life balance boosts your physical and mental health. It also gives you a sense of satisfaction and helps you have positive thoughts essential for good mental health.
