National Work Life Week

Mastering the art of a good 'work life balance' has been a long sought-after skill. But now, more than ever, we face challenges with this balancing act. The pace of life seems ever accelerating and COVID 19 has well and truly blurred the lines between work and play, with many of our desks still taking place in living rooms, kitchens or bedrooms.

In celebration of National Work Life Week, we're exploring the best ways for you to reflect and improve on your approach to work and life. We're also giving you a few helpful tips for starting conversations with HR (or the most appropriate person) about your workplace wellbeing.

Top tips for improving your work life approach:

Think about your split

Essentially, think about how much time you spend on work, life admin and doing things for you. If you can do a rough percentage split - even better. Taking a step back and looking at your life as a whole should be a good indicator to whether or not your balance is off.

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Organise, organise, organise

Organisation is often essential to a good work life balance. Setting time aside for you to do whatever it is that makes you happy, gives you something to look forward to and sets you up to go through with your plans.

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Enforce your boundaries

Once you've set aside some time to keep your balance in tact - try your best to stick to it. Saying 'no' can be incredibly difficult for some but practice make perfect. One very useful piece of advice is to avoid over justifying or defending your reasons to decline invitations.

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Spend your time doing things you enjoy

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder - so choose whatever it is that makes you truly happy. Don't feel pressurised for this to be productive or accomplish anything, a lazy day is just as valid and important as a workout. In need of some inspiration? Here are some Heka team go-tos:

• Barrecore Signature Pilates
• Secret Spa Deep Tissue Massage
• Clementine Mental Health App

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Try something new

Whilst making time for what you already love is super important, finding some new favourites and pushing outside your comfort zone is important too! Here's a few ideas to get you started:

• The Good Vibes Project Candle Making Kit
• Axe Throwing
• Cake Baking & Design Course
  
  

Tips for starting a conversation with HR (or the most appropriate person) about your wellbeing:

Get some time in the diary

This sounds simple but your wellbeing deserves some dedicated time and attention. Avoid quickly mentioning it at the end of a meeting and instead, set aside some time for this and this only.

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Get your ducks in a row

Although sometimes a little intimidating and uncomfortable, these discussions are not to be feared. Having said that, it can be very useful to make a brief list of things you want to bring up, address and ask.

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Be honest

Don't be afraid to say exactly how you feel. The average person spends a third of their life at work, so naturally, emotions and feelings come into play. The more honesty, the more the other person understands where you are coming from and can help.

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Be realistic

Change may not be immediate or exactly how you envisioned. These things often take time and practice on both sides to perfect.

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Arrange a check in to review progress

This gives you both time to implement changes and reflect on how they have worked out. It also gives you an opportunity to make changes that may come about due to the company, your role or personal life.

Of course, life is busy and gets in the way. We don't always get the chance to have the conversations we'd like to.  For now, do what you can - whether that's reflecting on your own wellbeing practice or earmarking a conversation for a later date.

Be kind to yourself always. Heka x

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