International Women’s Day is celebrated each year on the 8th of March to celebrate women’s achievements, recognize their challenges, and focus on women’s rights and gender equality.

What you should know:

Why is a work-life balance required?
Benefits of a work-life balance
Concerns that working women face
5 ways to strike a work-life balance

Why is a work-life balance required?

Spending too many hours at work can cause stress in your private life. Maintaining a balance can help improve your overall well-being and job satisfaction. Without a work-life balance, individuals may face burnout, reduced job performance, and decreased physical and mental health. As a result, work-life balance is essential because it enables individuals to achieve a healthy and fulfilling life inside and outside work.

Benefits of a work-life balance

Managing time, adopting productivity hacks, and creating a work schedule can help you equalize the see-saw of work-life balance. Strike a work-life balance to reap the following benefits:

Improved health: Working overtime can lead to stress, weakening your immune system and leading to frequent bouts of illness. A healthy work-life balance indicates more energy for activities and fewer sick days. You are more likely to take care of your physical and mental well-being by eating healthy, and getting adequate sleep, which reduces the risk of chronic lifestyle conditions.
Improved productivity: When there is a lot on your plate, your mind can wander off to things you wish you were doing. A balanced mind can boost productivity at work, providing you with the energy and focus to complete tasks efficiently, leading to better job performance.
Reduced stress: Work-life balance can enable you to handle the demands of your job and personal life with lesser stress and anxiety. Start making choices at work that can relieve stress.
Improved relationships: A healthy work-life balance helps you maintain a support system at the workplace with your colleagues and spend time at home with your family.
Enhances your ability to be present: When your mind is racing with cluttered thoughts, it makes you unable to be present at home and work. Even worries about your personal life can disrupt work. Practise mindfulness meditation to rewire your mind and bring about a work-life balance.

Concerns that working women face

Today’s modern woman dons many hats when it comes to balancing her personal and work life. Working women may feel this pressure all the more, especially while working from home when the workload is excessive and the job hours spill over into their personal time. This can lead to stress and anxiety. The key, however, is to prioritize your health and well-being. By doing so, you can have time for your own well-being and strike a work-life balance.

5 ways to strike a work-life balance

Given below are a few ways that you can balance and walk the tightrope that sways between your work and family life.

Communication is key: It is important to have clear communication in the family where everyone’s needs and wants are communicated and clarified. Heartfelt conversations with your loved ones can make you and others feel seen, loved, and respected.
The importance of ‘Me Time’: The importance of ‘Me Time’ is highly undermined. After investing hours in chores, work, and family, everyone needs some time for themselves. Meditation, reading, yoga, or getting a massage can help you rejuvenate your spirit.

Get adequate sleep: Lack of sleep can affect your productivity and attention span. It also leads to irritability, anxiety and depression. After a tiresome and long day, 7-8 hours of peaceful sleep can recharge and gear you up for the next day.
Set boundaries: Draw a strict line between your work time and family time. Urge your family as well to separate their work, school and social media time from family time.
Ask for help: When you feel your plate is full, ask your family or co-workers for help. This can also be perceived as a bonding exercise wherein you can communicate about everyone’s day while working together.

On this International Women’s Day, adopt these practices that will further empower you.

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