Blog · Growth Mindset 20.09.2023

You love what you do and work hard – but no good work-life blending.

When something doesn’t go well at work, it’s hard for you to stop thinking about it and focus on other things and the person in front of you, even after work – no good work-life blending.

Or, you work most evenings because you want to do a good job – no good work-life blending.

These are the words of my clients who have experienced the challenges of work-life blending.

Work and life are not in the separated terrains. Achieving a perfect balance between the two is difficult because it shifts daily.

However, there are steps you can take to find your version of ‘work-life blending’ that allows you to pay attention to both aspects and make it work for you. It’s not just about time management; it’s about understanding your priorities and values, actively shaping your professional and personal life, and feeling content.

Here are the 6 steps that will help you put the pieces in the right place:

1: Be aware of your time:

Start subtracting your sufficient sleep time from the 24 hours you have daily. Whatever you do, sleep is essential for your well-being.

According to the National Sleep Foundation guidelines, healthy adults typically require between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night.

So, if you sleep 8 hours, you’ll have 16 hours left for other activities.

It’s essential to understand your own personal balance and make sure you prioritise adequate sleep.

However, it’s also important to recognise that times become constrained and temporal adjustments are necessary.

2: Use your energy level for effective adjustments:

Pay attention to how your energy fluctuates throughout the day and use it as a guide for making necessary adjustments.  How is your energy level?

Are you energised when you wake up, after lunch or during the weekend?  

By being mindful of these patterns,  you can proactively take intentional action to optimise your productivity and well-being. 

For example, when I was responsible for caring for three young children under the age of 4, I realised that I would feel exhausted by Thursday with no break in sight.  So, I came up with a simple but effective strategy. Every Wednesday evening, I made a conscious decision to rest. I would go to bed with the kids around 7:30 p.m., even if it meant leaving the mess for later. 

This intentional adjustment made me wake up on Thursday morning feeling refreshed and recharged. As a result, I found myself capable of quickly tidying up the kitchen and facing the way with a more positive outlook. 

This small energy hack worked well on my overall well-being and contributed to being present in what’s happening around me.

Consider reflecting on your life and identifying your energy hacks and adjustments. 

Each individual has unique circumstances and preferences, so finding what works best for you is essential. Experiment with different strategies, schedules, or routines until you discover the approaches that optimise your energy and enhance your overall quality of life.

What energy hacks and adjustments will you implement in your life?

3: Secure a time slot for what you enjoy doing

Time flies – do you agree?  We are good at prioritising responsibilities and often neglect to do things we truly enjoy. Allocate time for activities that bring you joy and fulfilment. Even if you can’t do them as often as you would like, make sure you still schedule them and let others know about your plans.

Realistically, how much and what do you like to be doing more? 

Let’s slot that in. Let people know about it and plan it so it doesn’t slip away.

4: Plan for extra work and adjust accordingly

There will be times when you have big deadlines or busy work periods. Plan and make the necessary adjustments in other areas of your life in those moments. 

Remember, work-life blending is not a fixed concept; it changes daily.

Find your sweet spot for that particular time and communicate with others if you need extra help or understanding.

5: Learn to be time-efficient

So, you have 16 hours – evaluate how you currently use your 16 houses and identify areas where you can be more efficient. 

Often, we spend too much time on activities that are  ‘not important and not urgent’, such as watching YouTube or scrolling through social media.

As a result, we neglect activities that are ‘important and not urgent’ like cycling with friends, calling your sister, going doctor for a check-up, writing blog posts …

By reducing the time spent on less important activities, you can create time for what truly matters.

6: Determine what brings you joy

What makes you feel good? 

Reflect on the activities or experiences that make you feel good and create a sense of contentment.

It could be something as simple as having a bath, eating what you wanted, receiving positive feedback from your client, travelling, or playing a board game.

Clarify these activities and find ways to increase their presence in your life. 

If you are seeking accountability and to find your perfect work-life blending, here is how I can help you:

1. Book a free 15-minute call to build a road map together – it’s fun!
2. Get Clarity Mapping Magic for $37 to find clarity for your next step in 60-90 minutes.
3. Book your free 30-minute discovery call here, and let’s talk about how you could work together.