Finding balance in our daily life can be sometimes be challenging, especially if you’re studying, working and looking after family all from home. This has only been made harder by the advancement of digital technology, which has resulted in us being consistently ‘plugged in’. Other reasons can include studying whilst working, overcommitting to tasks or people, putting pressure on yourself to constantly overachieve, and not knowing when to say no. The answer could be as simple as creating a calendar and scheduling important tasks in advance to avoid being stressed out or forgetting anything. You could also create new habits to help balance your work and personal life. We’ve pulled together some techniques to help you to get started. Unplug Unplug and step away. Unplugging yourself can assist in employing healthy habits, so try to find ways to switch off and concentrate on the present. Ways to unplug can include: Disconnecting from technology or turning off your email notifications on your phone to the very least Focusing your awareness on where you are to ‘unplug’ from your workplace mentally Taking a refreshing walk to clear your mind Keeping your phone out of the bedroom – this will help in setting boundaries and encouraging better sleep quality Listening to music– according to an article published by Huffington Post, music can ease stress and anxiety as well as provide motivation for when you need it Downtime Rest periods are important to recharge your batteries, especially when work, study, and life are all taking place under the same roof. A good idea would be planning a home schedule for yourself that consists of your daily priorities, but importantly, includes a time-out for yourself. This could be to perhaps read a book (maybe the one that has been sitting on your table you’ve been meaning read but never got the time to); try your hand at cooking (is there a dish you’ve had your eye on to make?); have a go at yoga; binge-watch tv shows on your ‘to watch’ list; or simply do nothing! Do something that brings you joy and de-stresses you, allowing you to re-energise. Juggling work, study and family commitments in one environment can be challenging. Planning and prioritising your time can help you find a manageable balance – you may even find you have extra free time. Limit overworking and set boundaries It’s not uncommon pressure at work can tend to take over our lives. Even though we know there’s more to life than work, we can get so caught up in hours spent behind a computer screen or on the phone that everything else can be put to the side. This is especially challenging while working from home as your personal and work life can often blend. Overworking means you’re straining yourself trying to focus for many hours and this can be counterproductive as it’s difficult to focus when you’re physically or mentally exhausted. Further adverse effects from overworking can include increased stress levels, anxiety, exhaustion and sleep deprivation. Work smarter, not longer to clear up space for other commitments or downtime. If you do have to work long days, even when working from home, make sure you take regular breaks, stretch, have a snack; something that allows your mind to relax momentarily. Blending your work life and personal life For some people the answer is blending your work and personal life rather than separating it. In a Sydney Morning Herald article, wellness educators Shannah Kennedy and Lyndall Mitchell highlighted ‘blending’ may be preferable as it enables people to feel more in control. We sometimes don’t just focus on work only at work and having technology which allows for instant communication helps with multi-tasking and flexibility at any given juncture. Evaluate yourself Take a minute or two to check-in with yourself every so often. Use this time to focus and reflect. Ask yourself questions. Have you succeeded in your daily or weekly target professionally and personally? If not, ask yourself how you can improve the following week and set expectations and new goals. Maybe try to switch up your regular routine every now and then. It can be uncomplicated and simple like; exercising before work or getting outside for a walk in your lunch break to up your daily step count. There’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ method and perfect balance may not happen for most of us. Explore different avenues and recognise what works for you. Tell us what methods have worked for you? We’d like to hear from you, so be sure to comment below!