Technology keeps us plugged in 24-7. With smartphones, tablets and computers, people are able to work from virtually anywhere. Being so connected makes it incredibly difficult to “leave” the office, especially for a business owner. Time is an entrepreneurs best friend, but is too much of it spent working? The answer is most likely yes, so here are five steps to help you reclaim some of that time for yourself!
Tab the Alternative Board surveyed the working habits of hundreds of entrepreneurs for their 2013 Benchmark Study. It was reported that 66% of business owners work between 40 - 60 hours a week, with 19% working more than 60. In fact, 72% of those surveyed would rather work a regular schedule of 30 - 49 hours a week. Long hours and longer days lead to a drop in workplace morale and productivity. With a good work-life balance a little goes a long way. Spending more time doing things you enjoy will make you happier and ultimately more efficient and productive.
1. Maintain a healthy hobby that does not involve work.
Relaxation, exercise and leisure activities are excellent ways to reduce stress and boost both creativity and productivity. Whatever your hobby of choice, schedule that time into your calendar. Ensure that you get some time each week to perfect that golf swing or spend time with friends – anything that gets you out of the office and away from work.
2. Focus on using your time wisely.
It is hard to get everything done in a day. As a small business owner there is always something or someone needing your attention, frequently pulling you in different directions or interrupting your concentration. Planning out your day will keep things within a realistic timeframe and help cut down on distractions. Prioritize your goals and stick to a schedule to ensure that everything for your business gets done.
3. Vacation time is a must.
Running a business makes it nearly impossible to take time off, much less go on vacation. Taking a few days away allows you to regroup and reset so that you come back refreshed. Not only will a vacation give you some much needed time away, but it will also help boost your creativity. Robert Kriegel, author of How to Succeed in Business Without Working So Damn Hard, says that people get many of their best ideas away from the job. Not only will that vacation or staycation help reduce stress, but it could also be the catalyst to your next big idea!
4. Make your intentions known.
Probably the easiest, but most crucial part of this whole puzzle is making sure those around you are working to help you achieve a better work life balance. Have them help you set realistic boundaries that get you out of the office at a reasonable time each day. Sometimes all it takes is a helping hand or nudge in the right direction to help us reach our goals.
5. When your work day ends, make sure it really ends.
Not checking your emails after dinner may be hard, but it’s exactly what's needed. The emails and remaining work will be there when you get back to the office. On those unfortunate occasions when you do have to take your work home with you, the Mental Health Foundation suggests that you try to confine it to a certain area of your home so that you can close the door on it when the work is done.
Achieving a good work-life balance looks easy on paper, but the execution is oftentimes the hardest part. Stick to your guns and give it a try. Some time out of the office, away from work, is good for your health, fosters innovation and will make you more productive – what’s not to like here?
Ready to get away for a break? BizX can help!
