Making your mental and physical health a priority are crucial aspects of finding happiness. While there is no perfect way to accomplish this goal, there are important benefits that come from making the effort. Here are a few reasons you should keep working towards a healthy work/life balance.
Mental Health Implications
Working from home during the pandemic has caused mental health issues to skyrocket. Added stress caused by the lack of separation between home life and work responsibilities is immense. It’s much harder for many people to achieve a healthy balance between the two. That being said, it’s up to you to make sure you’re taking care of yourself during this unprecedented time. Depression and anxiety are at an all-time high for many people. Reach out to friends/ loved ones if you’re struggling.
Physical Implications
There are real physical reactions to imbalances in the work/life spectrum. They are often uncontrollable reactions our bodies have to stress. An article written for mhnational.org states, “In our rush to “get it all done” at the office and at home, it’s easy to forget that as our stress levels spike, our productivity plummets. Stress can zap our concentration, make us irritable or depressed, and harm our personal and professional relationships. Over time, stress also weakens our immune systems, and makes us susceptible to a variety of ailments from colds to backaches to heart disease. The newest research shows that chronic stress can actually double our risk of having a heart attack. That statistic alone is enough to raise your blood pressure!” The best thing you can do for yourself is to develop coping mechanisms for stress. Additionally, make a plan that will help you keep work and home life separate. These two measures can help you protect your peace and keep your home a sanctuary.
Happiness
People who strive for an equal work/life balance lead happier lives. The benefits of a low-stress work environment include a decreased chance of burning out, greater job satisfaction, and increased feelings of accomplishment. Happy people also make great employees. An article written by Marisa Sanfilippo for businessnewsdaily.com states, “Employers who are committed to providing environments that support work-life balance for their employees can save on costs, experience fewer cases of absenteeism, and enjoy a more loyal and productive workforce.” Employers should always be invested in the happiness of their employees while encouraging healthy work/life balances. If they do, they’ll be securing the further success of their companies. Lastly, seek out a job that you love. You might have to work jobs you dislike for a time; however, it’s important to always be moving towards your ultimate goals.
Creating a healthy work/life balance is not always easy. There will be times where it feels like a race you’ll never win. Keep trying. Every time you make the effort to live a more balanced life, you’ll notice what a difference it makes in your well- being.