Hustle for Balance: Practical Strategies for Achieving Work Life Balance
I don’t know about you, but I didn’t ask to be on this earth, so I’m definitely not interested in spending my time here working to live. Below are some strategies to strike hope for balance and peace as you find work life balance.
BELIEF: Believe me when I say that the first practice strategy starts with you and your belief and desire. Everyone deserves balance in their life. Do you believe you deserve it? If you even have the desire of a mustard seed for balance, then you can make something shake.
BOUNDARIES: You want to establish boundaries with your work just like you would do with your personal relationships. An example for a boundary at work is time. If you work a 9am to 5pm job, remember they are only paying you to work within the confines of that time; therefore, any time outside of those constraints, you’re essentially working for free. I’m not sure about you, but my ancestors didn’t struggle for my freedom and rights to work for free. People being paid for overtime work should steer clear of working overtime as a habit. This time frame includes even just looking at emails, which can be a slippery slope. Everything outside of that timeframe should be free, personal time.
“NAH” POWER: Say it with me, “HELL NAH!” You can also say a simple “no” to tasks that are outside of the time constraints of work along with tasks outside of your job description. “Saying no” is the action of a boundary, so the more you say it, the more you protect your peace. I say “HELL YEAH,” to that. “No” to expending energy on anything not reciprocating energy back. Your self esteem will thank you.
ENGAGE IN YOU: Care for yourself. Easier said than done, I know, but self care is an act of love which we all need! It’s important to feel your cup before you fill the cups of others, so “pour it up, pour it up, that’s how we ball out.” Self care can look as simple as stepping outside to get your daily dose of vitamin D from the sun rays and calm down that amygdala. It can also look like engaging in a meaningful connection with yourself (shout out to my introverts) but whatever floats your boat. I trust that you have an understanding of yourself and what fills your tank, which can never run on “E.”
RADICAL RITUALIZING: Routines are key. Establish a daily or weekly ritual. This can provide you with a form of predictability and groundedness. This can look like developing a bedtime routine or regular physical activity throughout the week (i.e. roller skating, soccer, weight lifting, etc.). Routines can be radical. Everytime you engage in a routine, you’re advocating for your sense of stability and support while going against the grain of societal standards that teach you to come second.
THERAPIZE ME BABY: GO TO THERAPY! Nike said “just do it,” and I’m here to say it too. Therapy offers a space to explore, develop, and maintain tools to help you be resilient and proactive about your well being. There’s nothing wrong with getting a little help from a professional. It’s a smart investment. Every individual with a healthy mind, is a step closer to collective harmony.
I’m not trying to knock your hustle, just asking that you maybe pivot that energy towards yourself. Work-life balance is a large part of our survival in America regardless of race, religion, gender, or creed. It’s important that we foster harmony within our lives.
