9 signs you have a poor work-life balance

We write a lot of articles with tips for achieving a better work-life balance, but some people have a hard time recognising they have a problem. Millennial blogger Rachel Ritlop outlined nine signs you have a poor work-life balance in a recent article for Forbes. Take steps to rebalance yourself if you notice any of these.

1 You’re in physical pain
Stress can cause chronic headaches and pain in your neck and shoulders, so if you experience frequent aches it’s likely your work-life balance is off kilter. Ritlop recommends taking a soaking bath and using soothing aromas in the office to melt away strain.

2 You’re exhausted
Another unfortunate side-effect of stress is an overactive brain that keeps you from getting enough sleep. If you’re always tired, you might find it hard to concentrate at work and you’re likely to make mistakes.

3 You have a short temper
The more you let work take over your life, the shorter your fuse. You’ll become impatient and you might snap at your colleagues or loved ones. If it starts happening frequently, it’s time to retrain your mind to focus on the positive things in your life.

4 You haven’t enjoyed yourself in a long time
When was the last time you did something you enjoy? If you can’t remember your last really good laugh, Ritlop suggests you try to do at least one task every week that you enjoy.

5 Your personal relationships are under strain
It’s so important to spend time with your family and friends. If work is cutting into your social life, you need to take a step back and think about where your priorities lie.

6 Your environment is messy
Research reveals a messy desk can interfere with your career potential, but it can also have a negative impact on your productivity. If your desk or house is cluttered and untidy, it can be hard to concentrate. Make time for a clean-up to help get your mind back on track.

7 Your phone is always on
With emails available all the time, many people find it hard to fully switch off from work. Someone with a poor work-life balance is always checking their phone for messages. If this is you, talk to your boss and set clear boundaries on how you respond out of office hours.

8 You don’t know where your priorities lie
When you become wrapped up in your work and want to succeed, it’s easy to fall into a routine of never saying no, even if you know it will affect your work-life balance. Think about how you want to separate your work and personal life, then come up with a strategy to clearly define your boss’s expectations when it comes to working outside of traditional office hours.

9 Perfection is everything to you
If your quest for success becomes a matter of perfectionism you’ll fall into a cycle of being disappointed with yourself, which creates a downward spiral of depression and anxiety. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself; take every failure as a chance to learn and grow rather than letting it get you down.

Read the original article at bit.ly/2fxQGCt