How to Achieve the Best Work-Life Balance as a Home Health Aide
July 10 2018
Taking Control of Your Own Happiness and Health
When you devote your life to taking care of others, some times you can forget to take care of yourself too and this can lead to unhappiness, stress and burnout. Not only is it about taking some time for self-care, but also finding the right balance between your work commitments and your home life commitments and observing how these two worlds interact and affect one another. Finding the right work-life balance can reduce stress while increasing focus and concentration, result in higher job satisfaction plus improve your overall health.
Manage Your Time
1There are only 24 hours in a day and in this career field, time flies by when you are working hard. You may find yourself often wondering how the day is almost over already and this can cause stress. At the beginning of each week, create a weekly calendar and map out your priorities for both work and home. Include activities such as exercise, family time and personal time. How much you spend on each of these priorities is up to you, but be sure to dedicate at least part of your day to each priority you set so you can take some time to enjoy the ride and have something to look forward to each day.
Prioritize and Delegate Tasks Each Day
2Not everything at work or home has to fall on your shoulders. At the beginning of each day, make a list of what needs to be addressed and prioritize them. If you can’t fit it all in, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Learn to Say No
3Whether you are asked to take on extra work or to spearhead a project at your child’s school, know that it is okay to say no respectfully. Know your limits and do not feel guilt or have a false sense of obligation. It is important to have time for the activities that are meaningful and important to you. When you take on too much at work or home, you don’t have the time to do your best on each task.
Take Advantage of Your Options
4Ask your employer about flex hours, a compressed workweek and other scheduling flexibility. The more control you have over your work hours, the less stress you are likely to feel.
Practice Mindfulness
5The rollercoaster of emotions caused by working in the healthcare field can produce a lot of stress. Mindfulness helps manage and balance the ups and downs of daily life so that you can be more productive at work and also more present for friends and family at home. If you are new to the practice of mindfulness, there are many different apps you can download that will guide you through the process. There are also a variety of articles online to help you learn about mindfulness.
Develop Stronger Relationships with Family and Friends
6Once you have gotten a better hold on managing your time, begin to think about how to utilize those skills when it comes to the most important people in your life. Try scheduling a weekly activity with your family or a monthly dinner with friends to help you stay connected and in touch. You schedule and availability will vary due to work, but sticking to the plan of regular outings will keep you on the path to a healthy work-life balance.
Let it Go
7Try not to think about work when you are at home. Constantly thinking about work will make you feel like you never left for the end of your shift. Create a division between your work life and your home life. Don’t allow work stress to steal your personal time or cause stress on your relationships at home.
Laughter is the Best Medicine
8A good belly laugh can do wonders for the soul. Enjoy the moments you have with your loved ones. It’s okay to take some time off and stop being the provider. You are responsible for everything that goes on in your life, so make sure that you are doing some things that you love to do.
Practice Self-Care
9While spending time with friends and family is a must, taking some “me time” is also vital. You may feel obligated to get those chores done or run errands during your free time, but remember to do what makes you happy as well. Whether it is knitting, reading, binging on your favorite show, hiking or jogging. Remember to also eat healthy and practice good sleep habits.
By practicing these tips, you’ll find the right work-life balance for you, keeping you motivated, happy and healthy. Not only will you enjoy your time off more, but you will also be more productive at work.
