Being a Career Girl certainly has its perks. But, when you work hard, it can be tough to sit back and enjoy the life you’ve worked so hard to achieve. Between the crazy tight deadlines, the never-ending meetings, and basically just trying to be a good person, keeping up with it all feels difficult, if not downright impossible. I feel ya! Work-life balance can sometimes feel impossible, but don’t worry there is hope!
These are the five rules I swear by to actually become the master of my own time…
1. Turn it off when you’re not using it
Don’t panic! I promise there are great benefits to switching off your phone. By taking an occasional digital detox, you’ll avoid mindless scrolling through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram paired with the inevitable, ‘I’ll just answer a few work emails’. I’m willing to bet the technology break will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated once you get used to it. I personally turn my phone off when I’m spending time with friends because I don’t want to find myself returning to it in the middle of our conversation!
2. Be honest with yourself
Are you ‘a workaholic’, do you love being busy? Then maybe time sitting around doing nothing isn’t the best for you, which is why you need to organize your life and pick things you like to do. Like, actually schedule it. Book time for yourself on your Google Calendar. Binge that new Netflix series everyone is talking about, finally read that engaging book you’ve been meaning to pick up or take yourself out to the movies. But, remember, this is your scheduled meeting. Meaning, no interruptions.
3. Learn to say the most difficult word in the business world
Yes, I’m talking about ‘NO!’. Some people find this so easy, but for the rest of us, it can feel so cringe-worthy, but it does come with major payoffs when you learn how to say no the right way. Once you prioritize your schedule, allow yourself to politely refuse a new project or decline a “needs to happen now” type of meeting. Freeing up some space can help to increase your productivity, allow you to produce better work, avoid inevitable burn-out, and generally assist in living a happier and healthier life.
4. Find your passion
Don’t take this the wrong way…but you need to get a life. Gift yourself with a hobby that’s completely separate from work. Join a book club, learn how to garden, or volunteer for a cause you care about. I promise you will feel happier and more balanced when you do something you love in your spare time. Find something that piques your passion and go for it!
5. Actually, book a vacay…
You work hard, and girl, you deserve a vacay! In January, we wrote a great post on Healthy Vacation Destinations for Detoxing and Recharging, which you should definitely read if you’re someone who has a hard time stepping away from your desk. Is there a gorgeous vacation destination that’s been on your must-see list for a while? Work can wait – it’s time to book a plane ticket, pack your best holiday outfits, and get traveling.
By Jessica Kutok
Being a Career Girl certainly has its perks. But, when you work hard, it can be tough to sit back and enjoy the life you’ve worked so hard to achieve. Between the crazy tight deadlines, the never-ending meetings, and basically just trying to be a good person, keeping up with it all feels difficult, if not downright impossible. I feel ya! Work-life balance can sometimes feel impossible, but don’t worry there is hope!
These are the five rules I swear by to actually become the master of my own time…
1. Turn it off when you’re not using it
Don’t panic! I promise there are great benefits to switching off your phone. By taking an occasional digital detox, you’ll avoid mindless scrolling through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram paired with the inevitable, ‘I’ll just answer a few work emails’. I’m willing to bet the technology break will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated once you get used to it. I personally turn my phone off when I’m spending time with friends because I don’t want to find myself returning to it in the middle of our conversation!
2. Be honest with yourself
Are you ‘a workaholic’, do you love being busy? Then maybe time sitting around doing nothing isn’t the best for you, which is why you need to organize your life and pick things you like to do. Like, actually schedule it. Book time for yourself on your Google Calendar. Binge that new Netflix series everyone is talking about, finally read that engaging book you’ve been meaning to pick up or take yourself out to the movies. But, remember, this is your scheduled meeting. Meaning, no interruptions.
3. Learn to say the most difficult word in the business world
Yes, I’m talking about ‘NO!’. Some people find this so easy, but for the rest of us, it can feel so cringe-worthy, but it does come with major payoffs when you learn how to say no the right way. Once you prioritize your schedule, allow yourself to politely refuse a new project or decline a “needs to happen now” type of meeting. Freeing up some space can help to increase your productivity, allow you to produce better work, avoid inevitable burn-out, and generally assist in living a happier and healthier life.
4. Find your passion
Don’t take this the wrong way…but you need to get a life. Gift yourself with a hobby that’s completely separate from work. Join a book club, learn how to garden, or volunteer for a cause you care about. I promise you will feel happier and more balanced when you do something you love in your spare time. Find something that piques your passion and go for it!
5. Actually, book a vacay…
You work hard, and girl, you deserve a vacay! In January, we wrote a great post on Healthy Vacation Destinations for Detoxing and Recharging, which you should definitely read if you’re someone who has a hard time stepping away from your desk. Is there a gorgeous vacation destination that’s been on your must-see list for a while? Work can wait – it’s time to book a plane ticket, pack your best holiday outfits, and get traveling.
By Jessica Kutok