Beaulah Chizimba is the founder of Limitless Nurses and a Healthcare Leadership and Career Advancement Coach, Speaker, and Facilitator.
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The healthcare sector in which I work is fast-paced, and so is the world we live in. Ensuring work-life balance is one of the most important things I've had to learn to achieve my goals.
It became a necessity and an art during the "sink-or-swim" scenario of the pandemic. I found that this balance was pivotal for both personal well-being and maintaining productivity and passion in the workplace. As we maneuvered through the pandemic over the past three years, I learned about resilience and the importance of carving out time for myself amid the chaos.
From this challenging period, I've carried forward three key strategies that have proven invaluable to my routine. These strategies aren't just about actions; they involve physical and cognitive processes that help safeguard my professional endeavors and most precious life experiences.
1. An End-Of-Workday Ritual
For me, establishing a routine that distinctly marks the transition from work to personal time has been crucial. Every day, once my work is complete, I perform a ritual that serves as a mental "switch-off" from professional tasks. This involves a tangible action: taking off my work jacket and placing it on my chair, packing my laptop and other work tools into my bag and then putting that bag into a cupboard. As the saying goes, "Out of sight, out of mind!"
This simple but deliberate act helps distance my mind from work and signals to my brain that work has officially ended for the day.
Do you have any tangible rituals you employ to transition from your workday to your personal time?
2. A Short, Energizing Walk
After I pack up my work bags, I take a 15-minute walk around my block. This isn't just about physical movement; it serves as a buffer, providing space between my professional and personal spheres. Nature, fresh air and the simple act of walking help me reset, allowing me to transition more seamlessly into the evening.
What activities do you find helpful to reset and switch off after your work day?
3. Time Blocking And Cooking
Once back home, I engage in an activity I've grown to love: cooking. For a long time, I thought I was not fond of cooking, but actually, I was simply too tired to cook after my long commute. Now, I dedicate an uninterrupted hour to preparing dinner for my family. Not only does this allow me to be present in the moment, but it also serves as a therapeutic unwinding process. Cooking becomes less about the act and more about allowing my mind to drift away from work-centric thoughts.
With time blocking, I ensure this hour is solely for me and my family, making it a non-negotiable part of my day.
Do you currently use time blocking as a strategy to ensure you have the time for activities that help you unwind after a work day? If not, consider trying it!
Final Thoughts
Of course, life is unpredictable, and there are days when work might demand more. In such instances, I turn to the Eisenhower Matrix. This decision-making tool helps me prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance. By doing so, I can make informed choices about when it's truly necessary to extend my work hours.
An effective work-life balance isn't just about splitting hours between work and leisure. It's about being intentional with our time, setting boundaries and incorporating practices that mentally and physically signal transitions between different parts of our day. By integrating these strategies into my life post-pandemic, I've managed to keep burnout at bay and nurture my professional and personal growth.
Make time to reflect on your own end-of-workday routines. Ditch the ones that are not effective and try out new ones that may resonate with you and your lifestyle.
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