Tips for Separating Work and Personal Life

During a call today, a client referred to one of my Entrepreneur Media articles about proper email etiquette. She asked for further reasoning about why I advise against "most" email communication during weekends, holidays, and off-hours. Here's a quick recap of some whys: In today's hyperconnected world, it's easy to fall into the trap of constantly being available and responsive. However, there's tremendous value in establishing boundaries, especially when it comes to email communication during weekends, holidays, and off-hours. Here's why: 1️⃣ It signals desperation to prospective clients. By refraining from email communication during non-work hours, you convey a sense of professionalism and balance. It shows that you prioritize your personal time and well-being, which in turn portrays confidence and self-assurance. Remember, clients are more likely to value your services when they perceive you as composed and in control. 2️⃣ It reflects poor time organization and nervousness. Sending or responding to emails during weekends or off-hours can inadvertently communicate a lack of effective time management. It may convey the impression that you're overwhelmed or unable to prioritize tasks effectively. By setting boundaries and reserving non-work hours for personal relaxation and rejuvenation, you demonstrate your ability to maintain a well-organized schedule and deliver optimal results. 3️⃣ It fosters a healthy work-life balance and avoids workaholic tendencies. Promoting a healthy work-life balance is essential for overall well-being and sustained productivity. When you consistently engage in work-related activities outside of your designated hours, it can lead to burnout and hinder your ability to focus and perform at your best. By prioritizing your personal time and disconnecting from work during weekends and off-hours, you create space for relaxation, hobbies, and meaningful connections, which ultimately fuels your productivity during work hours. Additionally, it's crucial to consider the long-term effects of your actions. Responding to emails during non-work hours establishes a precedent that you are always available, which can lead to others expecting immediate responses from you during their own off-hours. To address urgent situations, such as a client website crashing or critical issues affecting team members, utilize direct communication channels like text or phone calls. This ensures that genuine emergencies receive the attention they require while preserving the boundaries you've set. By prioritizing focused work during designated hours and nurturing our personal lives during off-hours, we can achieve greater fulfillment and sustained success. Balance is key to achieving excellence in all aspects of our lives. #WorkLifeBalance #Productivity #WellBeing #Professionalism

As I sit here reflecting on my career journey, I'm reminded of a pivotal moment that forever changed the way I approached work-life balance. I glanced at the clock—4:30 pm. My colleagues were still immersed in their tasks, but I was already packing up. Why? Because I was determined to beat the traffic and be home in time for dinner with my family. 👨👩👧👦 Weekends? Those were sacred—reserved for family and recharging my spirit. 🌳 You might wonder, wasn't I worried this would impact my career or tarnish my reputation? The truth is, I wasn't. I knew I delivered results on time as required. 💼 My day started at the break of dawn, up at 5 am, and in the office by 6. By 9 am, crucial decisions were made, and my desk was clear of pending tasks. 🌅🕕 Breaks? Hardly. Working lunches became the norm. Each evening at home, I’d spend a focused 30 minutes preparing for the next day, ensuring I was in bed by 10 pm, ready to tackle the morning with a sharp mind and a rested body. 💤📋 You can have it all if you excel at what you do, set firm boundaries, and communicate what you will and won't do. 🗣️ I never shirked responsibilities, refused work, or let my team down. I simply found a way to get things done that honored both my career and personal life. 🏆 I don't just get work done. I get work done my way. 💯 How You Too Can Achieve Life-Work Balance: ➡️ Set clear boundaries: Define your working hours and stick to them. ➡️ Communicate these boundaries with your team and family. ➡️ Prioritize tasks: Focus on high-impact tasks first thing in the morning when your energy levels are highest. ➡️ Plan your day: Spend a few minutes each evening planning for the next day. It helps you stay organized and reduces stress. Actions you can take today: ➜ Identify your top 3 priorities for tomorrow: Write them down and tackle them first thing in the morning. ➜ Schedule a family activity: Make time for your loved ones this weekend and fully disconnect from work. ➜ Take a break: Use your vacation days. Rest and recharge to come back even more productive. If we haven't met: I'm Rudy Malle a clinical researcher, avid entrepreneur, podcaster, storyteller, and career adviser. Let's #connect! #CareerBalance #WorkLifeIntegration #ProductivityHacks #FamilyFirst #ProfessionalGrowth #ClinicalResearch #tgif #20daylinkedinchallengewithhaoma #CareerAdvice #ConnectWithMe #MyWay

Friday health thoughts: having a work/life "separator" to help unplug at the end of the day When I worked in an office, I had a love/hate relationship with the daily commute Fighting traffic Burning through gas Racking miles up on the car But at the end of every workday, it also provided me with a 20-minute "separator" from work 20 minutes to unwind 20 minutes before joining friends/family 20 minutes to think or 20 minutes to turn the audio in the car off and not think at all Since I've been working remotely + get to work from the comfort of where I live, the only "separator" is 10 seconds of shutting the lid to my laptop and walking out of the room... ...only to pull my phone out in another room to read the next Slack notification waiting for me 🤦♂️ I needed my 20-minute break to transition from "work" mode to the person I need to be at home for my family So I started baking this back into my day, and I couldn't be more grateful for it The two main components to making it work: ☝️ No work-related activities during this time ✌️ Must change your physical environment Go for a walk or run Hit the gym for a workout Play with your animals or children Clean one room or fold some laundry Start to prepare your meal for the evening Sit outside + catch up with a friend or family member That buffer period helps me "turn off" work mode so I can be more present with my family + gives me a mental break after the workday 10/10 recommend this for everyone, but finding what specifically works for you #fridayhealththoughts

Ever feel like your workday bleeds into your personal life, leaving you drained and unfulfilled?   It's a common struggle in our always-on world.   But what if I told you there's a way to switch off effectively, reclaim your evenings, and enhance your overall well-being?   The answer is a shutdown routine (H/T Cal Newport).   It will help you draw a clear line between work and personal time—so you can optimize fulfillment from both life areas.   ---   5 steps to an effective shutdown routine:   1. Set a specific time to end your workday—this is non-negotiable.   2. Block out 15 minutes before this end-time for your shutdown routine.   3. Use the blocked-out time to review your task list. Update it, ensuring you're clear on what's done and pending.    Pro tip: Identify your most important activity to complete tomorrow. (Ideally, schedule it in your calendar as the first thing to start your workday.) In the words of Brian Tracy, “Eat that frog.”   4. Spend a minute or two closing distracting website tabs and tidying your physical workspace. Your future self will thank you.   5. Then, verbalize a simple phrase like “Shutdown complete,” signaling to your brain that work is over.    This ritual, though small, is mighty in creating a mental barrier between your work and personal life.   ---   Imagine a life where you're present with your loved ones, engaged in your hobbies, and returning to work with a clear mind and a ready heart.   Try this shutdown routine—you’ll be one step closer to using rest to power your success.   ⬳   Find this valuable? Repost to help your network ♻️, and follow me @benmeer for more posts like this. Thanks!

The most dangerous trap in business: Always being “busy.” Here’s why The Cult of Busy is dangerous for business leaders (and what we can do about it). — It’s a busy world. Everyone’s trying to keep up with the Joneses. But why are we so busy, and do we even need to be? I’ve been thinking about this a lot. The Cult of Busy is real. It has a sense of identity attached to it. Consider it a status symbol of sorts. In fact, the Journal of Consumer Research argues that busyness has surpassed leisure as something to aspire to. Busyness is ingrained in society. We've been conditioned to believe that a packed schedule equals importance and value. So much so, in fact, that being “too busy for a vacation” has become the ultimate humble brag. But this obsession with busyness comes at a cost. Business leaders attached to this mindset struggle with: • Burnout: Worked to exhaustion • Strained Relationships: Not making time for personal life • Poor decision-making: Hurried problem-solving • Unhappy Teams: Constant micromanaging Here are 5 things you can do about it: 1. Implement time blocking Schedule blocks of time for problem solving and critical thinking. This will help you step back, slow down, and create meaningful solutions to problems. Time-tracking tools can help you strategize time more effectively. 2. Set boundaries (and stick to them!) Create clear boundaries between work and personal life. Turn off notifications, set the laptop aside, and communicate your boundaries to colleagues. Creating time to turn off work mode is crucial for your personal relationships. 3. Just say NO You don’t have to say yes to everything! Recognize your limits and avoid overcommitting. Doing fewer tasks well is often more valuable than spreading yourself too thin. Prioritize quality over quantity of work. 4. Trust your team You have good help – use them. Trust your team and delegate responsibilities. Surrendering complete control over every task empowers teams and builds positive, healthy environments. 5. Value vacation Finally, don’t forget to take a vacation, and encourage your team to do the same. A survey by FlexJobs found that 73% of respondents look for work-life balance when considering a job. It’s a mental health must, and a workplace culture that starts at the top. — TL;DR: The Cult of Busy has a stronghold on our society. But it’s counterproductive and can leave you struggling with a true sense of purpose, healthy work environments, and personal relationships. • Implement time blocking • Create boundaries • Avoid overcommitting • Trust your team to get the job done • Take a vacation! Value your time; it’s the stuff life is made of.

Today’s employee juggles a lot. Whether that’s caring for children, caring for elderly parents (or for some – both!), we are shouldering more than ever outside of the office. There’s also been a shift in recent years as to how we approach this thing called work life balance. With technology making it nearly impossible for most of us to truly unplug, we must remind ourselves that what sometimes holds us hostage can also set us free – if used correctly. Here are a few things I’ve seen help to manage it all: 1️⃣ Set boundaries where you can. Responding to texts and emails outside of “core” business hours can set the expectation with clients and colleagues that you are always available – be careful. 2️⃣ If working from home, it’s easy to get sucked into a 12 hour day (I’m guilty of it!). Consider setting a recurring alarm on your phone for the end of your workday. When the alarm goes off, wrap up that task and be finished for the day. Close your office door to signal to your brain that you’ve “left the office”. Put your phone on the charger - try not to look at it again until after you’ve spent the desired time on other things - dinner, family time, sports – whatever that looks like for you. 3️⃣ Try to take some time to truly unplug! If you’re a producer, manager, or business owner and don’t have a true “back up” it can be tough, but you can at least do it for a day. Unless you have a huge deal brewing, the world will not fall apart if you don’t check your emails/texts for 10 hours. 4️⃣ This kind of contradicts #3 but – when I’m away for a week, or even out of the office for a day, spending 20 minutes at the end of the day taking care of important items and clearing out the inbox clutter can create a much smoother transition to jump back in the next day. 5️⃣ I create a to-do list of the top 3 most important things I need to accomplish each day and email it to myself the night before. Nothing else gets done before those 3 things. Then if I should find myself with a sunny afternoon and a light workload, and I want to take an impromptu afternoon off, I can! Juggling a career, a family, and everything in between isn’t easy. Striking a balance with work and personal can help ensure you thrive at both! And remember, there’s no right or wrong way to do it – don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. In the end, do what works for you! 💪 (This was part of my May newsletter...if you missed it and want to join, go here 👉 https://lnkd.in/dHpDGPFR) #recruiterlife #worklifebalance #balance #career #loveyourcareer #family #insurancecareer #newsletter #nbtalent

High performance in your job does not mean no work-life balance. This is the shortcut to getting burnout. As a high-performing executive, I struggled to find a balance too. I gave my all to my previous jobs, and the results? I was burnt out completely. Dedicating my entire time and energy to work, and falsely believing I was operating at the highest potential. Nothing could be further from the truth. This led me to 2 key realizations. 1. I wanted to thrive — in both work and life 2. I needed to make lifestyle changes for a fulfilling high-performance life. Here’s how I work as a high-performance executive while living a balanced fulfilling life — → Prioritize self and set boundaries - My day starts with spending time with myself. Meditation, exercise and planning my day give me a headstart first thing in the morning. - Setting boundaries at work helps me 10x my productivity Optimize meetings and no work calls after work hours help me perform my best. → Delegate and learn to say NO - You don’t have to say yes to everything. If you have a lot on your plate, learn to say NO. Don’t chase after quantity at work. Focus on quality work. - Delegate unimportant tasks. You can focus on high performance when you focus on the most important tasks associated with your title. → Implement Time Management Techniques - Use the timeboxing technique Timeboxing helps you prioritize work, and increase your productivity levels. - Implement the Pareto principle Focus on the 20% of tasks that will generate 80% of outcomes. Focus on deep work. You can be high-performing in your job, and still lead a fulfilling life. It is possible, and it starts with small changes. If you are ready to succeed as a high-performance executive without burning out, subscribe to my newsletter ‘Level Up without Burnout’. Join 12,000+ who receive actionable tips on leadership, productivity, burnout and high performance every Sunday. The link is in the comments!

Struggling with burnout? This secret weapon can save you: - In the relentless pursuit of business success, it's easy to lose sight of the boundaries between work and personal life and they can blur together. Here's how it's good: When you integrate work into your life organically, you can make work feel less like a chore and more like a natural (dare I say FUN?) part of your day. While it can feel really risky to adopt this approach, it can lead to a sense of purpose and satisfaction, turning your work into a welcome part of your daily routine instead of soul-crushing drudgery and that all-too-common burnout. When work aligns with your personal values and goals, it becomes more fulfilling, and you can experience a harmonious flow where creativity and productivity thrive. You can work in the patterns that complement your bio-rhythms, your preferences, and when your brain likes to do certain things. Ultimately, flexibility is the name of the game here, allowing you to just have LIFE and organic flow, which leads to more productivity, higher quality, and better outcomes. Here's how it's bad: Without clear boundaries, you never fully disengage from work, leading to a constant state of being "on." This can crank up chronic stress and burnout, crushing your effectiveness and well-being. The lack of separation means you might miss out on important life moments, prioritizing work over personal experiences and relationships. Worse, you risk saying "no" to the wrong things—the fun things that are VITAL for your mental and emotional health. Over time, this imbalance can crush your passion (for everything!), making it harder to stay motivated and inspired. Your creativity dries up, your productivity tanks, and suddenly, you're in a downward spiral. You might even find that your personal life is entirely on fire. Here's how to find the balance: Setting boundaries isn't about building rigid walls; it's about creating a flexible framework that supports your well-being. Start by defining what you'll do during specific hours. For instance, dedicate mornings to focused work tasks and afternoons to meetings and collaborative efforts. Make it clear what you won't do during these times—like checking emails or taking non-urgent calls. When you punch out for the day, make sure you're truly unreachable except for actual emergencies. Additionally, use "if-then" statements to clarify your limits: IF a task comes up after hours, THEN it will wait until the next business day. IF an emergency arises, THEN you will handle it promptly. These statements help reinforce your boundaries and ensure that both you and those around you understand and respect them. You can do this. If you get pushback, remember: Pushback on a boundary is proof that you need it and it's working. - Be honest. Do you struggle to maintain work/life balance? What helps you succeed?

Making a Life While Making a Living: The Key is Knowing Your Inner Balance Balancing the demands of a career with the desire for a fulfilling personal life can be challenging. Here are three tips to help you find that inner balance: 1. Set Clear Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. Designate specific times for work tasks and personal activities, and stick to them. This helps prevent burnout and ensures you have quality time for yourself and your loved ones. 2. Prioritize Self-Care: Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. Whether it’s exercising, meditating, reading, or spending time in nature, prioritize activities that rejuvenate you. Taking care of your physical and mental health will make you more productive and happier in both your personal and professional life. 3. Align Your Career with Your Values: Reflect on what truly matters to you and ensure your career aligns with those values. When your work is in harmony with your core beliefs and passions, it becomes more than just a job. This alignment brings a sense of purpose and fulfillment, making the balance between making a living and making a life much more attainable. By setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and aligning your career with your values, you can create a harmonious balance between your professional and personal life. Remember, the key to making a life while making a living is knowing and honoring your inner balance.

"Play" is more than just goofing off or playing games. It's about taking intentional breaks, disconnecting, and nurturing your well-being so you can crush it at work. Here's why incorporating "play" and taking time away from work is crucial: 1️⃣ Renewed Creativity: Stepping away from work sparks new connections and insights. Engaging in activities you enjoy unleashes your creative potential and leads to innovative solutions. 2️⃣ Increased Productivity: Paradoxically, taking time for play can actually enhance your productivity. When you give your brain a break, you recharge your energy levels, improve focus, and tackle tasks with renewed vigor and efficiency. 3️⃣ Enhanced Well-Being: Constant work engagement can lead to burnout and diminished well-being. By prioritizing play and taking time to disconnect, you prevent stress from taking over and foster a healthier work-life balance. 4️⃣ Improved Problem-Solving: Playful activities outside of work stimulate your problem-solving skills. Whether it's engaging in a hobby, spending time in nature, or practicing mindfulness, these activities enhance your cognitive abilities and help you approach challenges with clarity and resilience. Still not convinced? Incorporate these strategies to integrate "play" and relaxation into your work routine, and let me know how it goes. 1️⃣ Take Regular Breaks: Schedule short breaks throughout the day to step away from work and breathe. So go for a walk, sip tea, or try a mindful breathing exercise. You'll feel rejuvenated in no time. 2️⃣ Establish Boundaries: Set clear boundaries between work and personal time. Say no to work emails or business calls during leisure hours and enjoy guilt-free playtime. 3️⃣ Pursue Hobbies: Pursue hobbies you're passionate about outside of work. Whether it's painting, gardening, or playing an instrument, these activities can help you escape the grind and nurture your inner creativity. Bottom line: "Play" and relaxation aren't luxuries, they're necessities. Prioritizing "play" boosts your well-being, productivity, and satisfaction in life. So, don't snooze on "play." #Joychiever #EngagementMatters #PowerofPlay #ManagementTraining