If you’re finding it more difficult than ever to handle both your IT job and your life outside of work, you’re not the only one.
Whether it’s a boom economy driving higher demands or a recession stoking fears of cutbacks, there is almost constant pressure for people to put in extra hours or stay connected when they’re not physically at work.
Even if your job demands a high level of commitment, you can still take a lot of steps to achieve a better work-life balance.
Schedule relaxation time
It helps to be proactive about scheduling your time, especially when it comes to making sure you get time to relax.
When you plan out your week, be sure to set aside time for family and friends, as well as activities that allow you to recharge your batteries.
If a date night or a softball game is on your calendar, you’ll have something to look forward to, which can be a light at the end of the workday tunnel. Having these activities scheduled is also an incentive to manage your time effectively, so you don’t have to cancel on your fun activity.
It’s also important to use the free time on your weekends. If there’s nothing on the scheduled for a particular weekend, plan an activity like going to a movie or picnicking the park. If you don’t, you run the risk of frittering time away and the weekend ending without any quality relaxation time.
Avoid wasteful time ‘on the clock’
Some people waste their time on activities that add no value to their lives. For instance, they spend too much time gossiping with colleagues around the water cooler.
Look at any of your activities that don’t add to your career or personal life and cut back on the time you do them. There are also a number of apps you can use to ‘nudge’ you away from wasteful behavior. If you cut enough wasteful activities out of your workday, like spending time on social media sites and making personal calls, you may even be capable of leaving work earlier than usual.
Assess your chores and errands
‘Outsourcing’ chores or errands is another way to get more personal relaxation time in your life. Having groceries delivered, paying a neighborhood kid to mow your lawn, or other ‘outsourcing’ may cost a bit of money, but it will save you a lot of time.
In fact, research has shown that people get more satisfaction from money by spending it on time-saving services than they do by buying physical items.
Exercise for efficiency
An inability to concentrate or self-motivate can be a real drain on your time. One way to stay mentally agile is to maintain a regular exercise regimen. Getting enough sleep and avoiding too much alcohol consumption also helps to keep you mentally sharp and effective with your time.
At SSi People , we connect IT professionals with job opportunities that fit both their career path and personal life. Please contact us today to find out how we can help your career.
