Let’s be honest, sometimes the dream after work is simply collapsing onto the couch, phone silenced, and maybe a glass of wine (or two) for company. Who needs a 10-step skincare routine or a killer gym schedule on top of everything else?

We get it. Life is messy, and especially work, can throw some serious curveballs. It’s rewarding, sure, but let’s face it, it’s also exhausting. But here’s the thing: taking care of yourself, even in small ways, is crucial. After all, a recent study from 2023 found that over half of healthcare professionals in the UK struggle with work-life balance. Yikes!

Don’t worry, this isn’t going to be a guilt trip. We’re all about actionable advice that fits into your real life. Here are 3 easy-to-implement work-life balance hacks that will make a big difference:

1. Schedule Your “Me Time”

Think of self-care appointments like doctor’s visits (but way more fun!). Block out specific times in your calendar for exercise, hobbies, or just pure relaxation. This might seem obvious, but sometimes having a dedicated “me time” slot on the calendar is the push you need to actually prioritise it.

Example: Every Wednesday evening from 7-8pm is your personal chill time. No work emails, just you and your chill time whatever that may be.

2. Map Your Time

Ever feel like you’re constantly spinning? Tracking your activities for a day (work hours, commute, personal time) can be an eye-opener. This might seem like extra work, but trust us, it’s worth it. You might identify hidden time drains like mindless scrolling before bed that disrupt your sleep.

Example: You track your activities and see you spend an hour mindlessly scrolling on your phone after work, messing with your sleep schedule. Solution? Swap that scrolling for a relaxing bath or reading a book to wind down.

3. Track Your Mood (and Find Patterns)

Just like tracking your time, monitoring your energy levels and emotions throughout the week can be super helpful. Keeping a mood journal or using an app can help you identify patterns. Feeling drained in midweek? Maybe that’s when you need a quick afternoon pick-me-up walk or a chat with a friend (a good friend would be understanding and shouldn’t see your situation as a burden).

Example: You track your emotions and notice a dip in energy on Wednesdays. You schedule a short walk in the park on Wednesdays to help break up the day and boost your mood.

By implementing these simple hacks and paying attention to your own needs, you can create a work-life balance that actually works for YOU. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential for a happy and healthy you!

To finish off this article, we want to provide you with one last piece of personal advice… Burnout, imposter syndrome, feeling unmotivated?

We hear you, especially in healthcare. Mental health matters most, so don’t be afraid to hit pause and re-evaluate your goals. We won’t get all deep here, but if you’re constantly burnt out, it’s time to ask yourself ‘why’?

It might be a disconnect from your goals. Re-evaluate what you want to achieve in your career and remember the “why” behind it.

Aligning your daily tasks with these broader objectives can provide a renewed sense of purpose and direction. It’s also helpful to set short-term goals that are achievable, giving you a series of wins to boost your morale.

We hope this resonated with you! Share your thoughts or repost if this helps out!