Over at the TODAY show... they've been digging in to the "back to work" theme this week... and this story is so worth sharing...
Is it possible to find a work-life balance? According to Emily Ballesteros, it can be done. After her own experience with two years of constant work stress, she was inspired to focus her career on helping people who are struggling with burnout. So how do we create a work-life balance that makes us happier at work and in our lives overall? These are her secrets to success.
● Pause before saying yes - Ballesteros says this is the absolute most important thing you can do to prevent burnout. Instead of immediately saying “yes” in auto-pilot mode, give yourself a break before you agree. Struggle to say no to things? She suggests using this script: “Thanks for asking! Can I check my calendar and get back to you?
● Manage your workload - If you feel like you already have way too much on your plate at work, create a list of everything you’re doing and how long it takes for each project, meeting, and such. Then prioritize the most essential tasks on top and come up with alternatives for lower priority items, like outsourcing, delegating or simplifying. Present it to your boss as a solution rather than a problem and they may be more open to the changes, even on a temporary basis.
● Take your vacation - Even if you feel guilty about taking time off of work, Ballesteros says it’s really important to do it. “It sounds harsh, but someone much more important than you is taking vacation as we speak,” she explains. “If they can do it, you can do it.”
● Create boundaries with technology - Digital overload can leave you feeling burned out, especially when you’re answering work emails all weekend long. It’s up to you to set the boundaries and tell your team you won’t be responding to work emails during the hours you decide.
● Take control - Ballesteros says two quotes helped her through her own burnout phase: “What you are not changing, you are choosing,” and “Nothing chang
Now, how many of these tips will you or I take into consideration?
I'm not sure. I know I'm working on that balance... what about you? For me, it's a constant struggle...