Have you ever heard of the term “work-life balance“? The increase of people from the millennial generation in the workforce has made this term very famous in many, if not all, industries. Work-life balance means achieving an equilibrium between professional careers and personal leisure and activities.
Millennials have coined and religiously practiced this in their lives. Gone are the days when a professional career defines a person and dictates their daily activities. Now, the increasing importance of having time for leisure and relaxation is prevailing. Here are the reasons why it’s essential to maintain a work-life balance.
It improves mental health
Stress, burnout, exhaustion – these are among the most common terms you hear among people belonging to the workforce. Too much work can take a toll on a person’s mental well-being. Stress is a common cause of mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression.
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With the rise of awareness on mental health issues and the importance of keeping it intact, many companies are now beginning to promote work-life balance. This is something employees need to take advantage of, not only for leisure purposes but for the sake of their mental health.
It improves physical health
Stress, burnout, and exhaustion don’t only affect mental health. They also have significant impacts on physical well-being. A high-stress lifestyle can lead to severe illnesses like high blood pressure and heart disease. Further, stress can also lead to insomnia, and we all know the disadvantage of not getting adequate sleep.
It boosts productivity
Many people have the misconception that spending long hours in the office allows them to accomplish more tasks. But doing this will cause exhaustion and burnout, which are known to affect productivity and quality of work. Sure, you’re spending the whole day working, but you might not notice that your brain gets more tired as you go along. This will affect the quality of work you’re doing.
If you look at it that way, you’ll realize that it’s entirely counterproductive. No matter how long you work, you won’t get things done if your brain and body are not functioning optimally. So it’s best always to take a break and approach the rest of your tasks with a renewed body and mind.
You can’t go back in time
Many people spend their youth doing nothing but work. They become so engrossed in their careers that, before they even know it, they’ve aged and lost the prime years of their lives. A lot of those in their 40s would tell you that they wish they did more and enjoyed their youth while it lasted.
We’re not saying that it’s wrong to be career-driven. It’s a very noble and admirable trait to have when you’re young. But despite focusing on career growth, you should have a good sense of work-life balance. There are a lot ofsingle millionairesout there who have worked all their lives yet have forgotten how to indeed have fun. Allow yourself to take a break from the hustle and focus on enjoying your youth. After all, you only live once, and you can’t go back in time to change how you lived your life. So you might as well make it count.
The increase in mental and physical health issues related to over-working is alarming. That’s why everyone should have a sound work-life balance. Even if you’re enjoying your career, make sure to take time for yourself, and live your life with happiness and enjoyment.
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