Five Tips for Finding Work-Life Balance
Sometimes balancing work and making time for loved ones, self-care and the things you enjoy doing can seem challenging. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance—especially in difficult times—is essential to your overall mental wellness. Help alleviate stress and avoid burnout with these tips.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
Many
people are finding their way in “the new normal,” which could mean working from home
while caring for children, socializing virtually, or limiting or eliminating activities
that bring joy. Take a moment to be honest with yourself and acknowledge when you
are feeling sad or overwhelmed.
Prioritize and Manage Your Time
It
may not be possible to complete everything on your to-do list in the timeframe you
have in mind. Try to set realistic expectations for yourself, and on others. Focus
on the most important tasks and projects first, and consider the rest optional for
the time being. Checking off the most essential items can help provide a greater sense
of accomplishment.
Unplug and Detach from Work
After your
workday ends, give yourself permission to mentally leave thoughts or stress about
work for the next business day. Shut down your work devices and allow yourself to
embrace your free time—whether that’s spending time with family or loved ones, volunteering
in the community, getting physical activity, or simply relaxing on the couch.
Take
Time for Self-care
It is a simple concept—eating a healthy diet, exercising
regularly, and getting plenty of rest helps to relieve stress. Try scheduling time
throughout the week to remove distractions and nourish your body and mind. Self-care
can help improve your focus and feel more balanced.
Consider Stress
Management Coaching
Members have access to a stress management coaching
program at no out-of-pocket cost. Participation is easy. Members work one-on-one with
a trained, personal health coach to uncover barriers to self-management, link behavior
to personal values, and set goals to make healthier lifestyle choices. For more information,
call the coaching team at 866-961-8513 or visit the Health and Wellness site through
the Member Portal.
Reach
Out for Help
Need additional help finding work/life balance? Sutter Health
Plus members can schedule a virtual visit with a participating behavioral health provider
through U.S. Behavioral Health Services by calling 855-202-0984 or visiting liveandworkwell.com. The site also offers a variety of stress
management articles, videos, tools, and resources. To support our members during this
time, members have no cost share for telehealth, including telephone and video visits,
for covered services from April 1 through December 31, 2020.