The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and summer is in full swing. For many professionals, this means longer days at the office trying to wrap up projects before a vacation or an increased workload due to colleagues being out of town. Summertime can often lead to burnout as we try to balance increased work demands while wanting to enjoy the summer season fully. This is why a healthy life-work balance is so crucial during these sunny months.
Rather than thinking of it as a work-life balance, I like to think of it as a life-work balance. Life should always come first! Work is important, but our lives outside of work are more meaningful. Summer gives us valuable opportunities to spend time with family, travel, and enjoy hobbies that make us happy. These experiences recharge our batteries and make us better employees when we return to the office.
Improving your life-work balance starts with being intentional about how you spend your time. Evaluate your priorities and schedule time for the important people and activities outside of work. This might mean leaving the office earlier a few days a week to coach your child’s sports team or not checking email on the weekends. With some planning and establishing boundaries, you can protect your personal time while still meeting work deadlines.
In today’s remote and hybrid work environments, online learning is a great way to pick up new skills that will benefit both your personal and professional life. eLearning courses can teach you time management, mindfulness practices, and other skills to help you focus at work and fully unplug at the end of the day. eLearning is flexible and often more affordable than in-person training. Investing in yourself through online education is an excellent way to model a life-work balance.
This summer, be mindful of burnout risk and prioritize self-care. Spend time recharging with family and friends, practicing hobbies you enjoy, and learning new skills at your own pace through eLearning. With a life-work balance that puts life first, you can work productively while also building memories to cherish this summer and beyond.
