Work-Life Balance: Avoiding Workism

What is workism? “It is the belief that work is not only necessary to economic production, but also the centerpiece of one’s identity and life’s purpose; and the belief that any policy to promote human welfare must always encourage more work” (Thompson, 2019). Put simply, we let work define us and take over our lives. Technology has made that much easier. We live in a society that always seems to be “on the go.” Technology has a lot to do with that. It’s made it easier to work no matter where you are or what time it is. While there are certainly some benefits to that, it has also changed the dynamic of the work-life balance. Workplace stress is high. Burnout is high. Mental health issues are becoming more problematic. Sound familiar?

Thankfully, it’s not impossible to be highly valuable and productive in the office and at home. You can enjoy a successful and fulfilling career while still having an active life during your free time. We have to become intentional about not letting work become the center of our lives or our identities. Let’s take a closer look at what you can do to strike that balance.

Set Boundaries in the Workplace

Are you the person people always come to with a project? Does everyone ask for your help because they know you have a hard time saying “no?” Maybe you bite off more than you can chew when it comes to your workload because you feel like you have to.

Whatever the case, this is a quick way to become overwhelmed and burnt out. It’s essential to set healthy boundaries in the workplace no matter which industry you’re in. Don’t take more than you can handle, ask for help and support when you need it, and never feel obligated to perform duties or tasks that are meant for someone else. 

Set Specific Working Hours

In addition to setting boundaries with your workload, one of the best things you can do to strike a better work-life balance is to set specific working hours. Again, technology has made it easy to work even when you’re “off the clock.” How many times have you answered work emails from home? How often have you continued on a project from home in the evening?

Set dedicated working hours for yourself each day, whether you work in an office setting or even remotely. Setting these parameters will allow you to be as productive as possible with the time you have. When that time is up, you can focus on being as productive as possible with your home life. Setting work hours also helps you establish a healthy routine. It gives you something to look forward to and depend on, which can benefit your mental well-being.

Make the Most of Your Time at Home

When you’re “off the clock,” choose to be productive at home by doing things that reduce stress and help you find fulfillment. No, there’s nothing wrong with binge-watching your favorite shows once in a while. But, if that’s all you do in your free time, you’ll eventually feel overwhelmed by everything from housework to spending time with family and friends.

Be mindful and present in your own life when you’re not at work. Think about the things that truly bring you joy and make you feel good when you accomplish them. Participating in those things more often will help you make the most of your time at home.

Practice Self-Care

Not sure how to get started? Stick with self-care. Self-care is a wonderful way to make the most of your free time. Self-care isn’t selfish or time-consuming, and it doesn’t need to be expensive or extreme. Rather, it’s about finding small ways to reduce stress and care for yourself daily. Things like exercising, eating healthy foods, prioritizing sleep, and pursuing non-work activities that you enjoy or are passionate about are all forms of self-care that can boost your mental well-being, improve your focus, and give you more energy.

It’s not always easy to find a healthy work-life balance in today’s busy world. But if you choose to prioritize productivity in both areas of your life, these tips can help.

Chanderbhan Psychological Services

About: Chanderbhan Psychological Services is a therapy practice located in Laredo, Texas. We help individuals and couples who are struggling in different areas of their lives gain the clarity they need to grow and change. We also offer telehealth to individuals located in the wider State of Texas.  To read blogs on mental health and relationships, visit our website.