8 Simple to Implement Tactics on How to Achieve an Optimal Work Life Balance

Many of us have an infamous battle with achieving an ideal work life balance, as given the current circumstances, we are witnessing a significant increase in remote working. Look no further as we will uncover 8 simple to implement tactics on how to achieve an optimal work life balance.

1. Control your perfectionism

Perfectionism. Some of us exhibit this characteristic more than others and generally, this is a positive attribute to hold, however, in the context of achieving optimal work life balance this can become a slight barrier. To help us explore this element, let’s first understand our definition:

Perfectionism: “A psychological trait whereby each activity is undertaken must be completely absolute in nature and accounts for critical self-evaluation.”

Have you ever been in a position where you may have overworked on one point on your to-do list as you want it to be perfect, but this has led to other agenda items falling behind? This is a typical scenario of perfectionism.

Become focused on delivering high-quality output in a timely fashion and mentally prepare for feedback. Receiving constructive feedback is not negative, rather the opposite, as this helps you develop professionally. To help you have a positive mindset, follow our Mindfulness Monday campaign on Instagram: @thedynamicmind

2. Find a career that is your passion

Having a career that is also your passion accelerates in reaching the goal of achieving an optimal work life balance, as the time you spend in your role is thoroughly enjoying and you feel you have a real sense of purpose. Read our recent blog where we focus on tips to find a purposeful career that is your passion.

Many benefits exist in finding a career that is your passion. These include improving your motivation and allowing you to be more creative. In addition, we can think ‘outside of the box’ far more easily to build on innovation and drive to consistently go above and beyond. These are all key benefits to our career prospects and to having an optimal work life balance.

3. Take appropriate breaks

Throughout our busy calendars, we can sometimes find it a challenge to take breaks away from the screen, even if it is just for a few moments. However, it is vital for our wellbeing and performance that we take appropriate breaks when necessary.

With this, are you a digital warrior and known to eat your lunch at your desk, possibly playing catch up with emails or reviewing material? Do not worry, you are not alone.

It is important to use this time to lock your screen and step away and have a well-deserved break. Small rest periods can make a huge impact on performance.

It is perfectly acceptable to unwind, destress and do something you enjoy to split your working day, as this translates into a more productive and effective professional. Of course, we should be mindful that this does not hinder our project deadlines.

Be kind towards your eyes, mind, body and soul.

4. Have sensible boundaries

Having an ideal working environment impacts how we can achieve an optimal work life balance. This includes, if possible, having separate areas of relaxation where we conduct our work as this impacts our wellbeing and mental state of mind. We appreciate that this may not be possible for everyone and if this is the case, ensure to pack up your workstation once all activities are completed and securely put this away. By doing this, we allow the space to be only dedicated for relaxation, when appropriate, to separate our personal and professional lives.

To accompany this element, try your very best to not allow work to enter your self-care time, as ideally this should be protected, specifically for you and you only! Take note of the hours you may be working on a daily/weekly basis. Is this above and beyond? If so, document what actions can be conducted to address this issue. This could include speaking with colleagues, management or blocking out time in our calendar to address your to-do list to prevent working excessive hours, reaching burnout, and not achieving an optimal work life balance

5. Prioritise and set deadlines

At the start of the week and each day, we should try and spend a few moments to clear our minds, write down all the things we need to get done and assign their priority and associated deadline. This will help with mentally preparing for the day ahead and set a focused mind.

Additionally, ticking/crossing off items off our ‘to-do list’ can provide a great sense of achievement and allows us the opportunity to celebrate the small wins – an element we focus on here at The Dynamic Mind.

Finally, appreciate that we may not actually be able to get everything completed within our anticipated time frame. Future planning through outsourcing and being comfortable asking for assistance will support this and aid in achieving an optimal work life balance.

6. Be comfortable saying no

Are you known as the reliable individual to help the team with ad-hoc items? Or do you feel that you have a moral duty to say yes to everything that comes your way regardless of your current commitments?

If any of these resonate with you, we need to address this by becoming comfortable with saying no, as this will support in achieving an optimal work life balance.

Tactics to consider are:

Assessing your current situation
Work load
Deadlines
Prioritising activities
Assessing the goals that you want to achieve

This does not mean that any time a colleague, friend or family member would like our assistance, we immediately shut this down. However, we must take time to appropriately review our current capacity as we aim to provide the highest quality when carrying out any activity.

7. Exercise

Whilst setting priorities for the week, ensure to plan protected time to exercise which can be from a simple brisk walk to a high-intensity workout. It is extremely vital for both our physical and mental wellbeing that we conduct some form of exercise on a periodic basis.

There is a strong link between nature and our mental health, and even a 15-minute walk can really make a difference in how we achieve an optimal work life balance.

Taking the time to exercise allows us to focus on ourselves, destress and is essential for self-care. Having completed the exercise of choice, we are likely to feel more positive and happier which contributes to our performance at work. We are therefore one step closer to achieve an optimal work life balance.

8. Utilise your strengths

When conducting tasks, assess the situation and focus on utilising your strength to your advantage as this can drive efficiency and bring out positivity. This goes hand-in-hand with being comfortable saying no as we cannot be a master at everything – this can be time-consuming and perhaps detrimental to our output quality.

Nevertheless, do not neglect areas of opportunity as this is fundamental in becoming a technically holistic professional.

Conclude our 8 simple to implement tactics on how to achieve an optimal work life balance

We have covered 8 simple to implement tactics that aim to help you to achieve an optimal work life balance. These can be joined together to make it easier such as prioritising and setting deadlines, controlling your perfectionism or becoming comfortable with saying no and utilising your strengths.

To summarise our 8 tactics: