Work-life balance. It’s the thing we all strive for, the thing we post about on social media, and yet somehow the one thing most of us struggle to get right. But the name ‘work-life’ balance can be a bit misleading. After all, what does the perfect balance of work and life even look like? Is it measured in hours? Is it measured in productivity, or lack of stress?
What we should strive for, instead of work-life balance, is work-life happiness; in other words, having a job that you actually enjoy and that fits into your life (not the other way around). With that in mind, we’ve compiled a quick list of tips to help you get a little more joy out of every day of the week, so you can stop surviving and start thriving.
Upgrade your skills
Take some time each week to work on yourself! This prevents work from feeling repetitive and gives you a chance to explore new opportunities. Whether you’re gaining knowledge and insights into the industry; connecting with peers in your field; or just clawing back some time for your own mental health; the strides you make in your own personal development are just as beneficial for you, and your company, as the time you spend working at your desk. So why not maximise every bit of me-time with the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G? Want to pick up some design skills? Try out the S Pen Fold Edition and see what you can create. Watching thought-leadership material online? Watch it full size with the Z Fold3’s larger main display—and take notes at the same time, using App Split View. The possibilities are endless—all you need is a little push in the right direction.
Happiness starts with a happy desk
Messy desks and desktops can certainly be a productivity killer—but more importantly, they can also impact your mental health. On the other hand, having a space that you’re happy to be in can work the other way around, helping you stay happy and motivated regardless of the work you have to do. Clearing off wires, old mugs and papers is a great start, but if you really want a space that encourages wellness at work—take some time to make it your own by adding things that make you happy. Whether it’s a photo of you and your family, a holiday memento or even just your favourite desk toy, bringing a little personality to your daily workspace can do wonders for your day-to-day mental state.
Create time to get work done
We all have those days where you just don’t have time for your own work. Meetings pile up, calls come in, and suddenly it’s 4:55PM and you haven’t ticked a single thing off of your to-do-list. Not only does it make your next day even busier, but it also makes it difficult to check out and unwind at the end of the day. One great way to limit distractions and focus on the important tasks is to limit the number of notifications you receive on your phone. Simply go into the notifications setting on any Galaxy phone and toggle the apps you don’t want to see—just make sure you remember to turn them back on again. If you really can’t get away, try blocking out meetings with yourself to work on projects—even if you need to book weeks in advance—so you can take control of your schedule and manage your time in a way that suits your workload. Making time for yourself can help reduce your stress at work, improve your productivity and even avoid burnout.
Get away from your screen
You’ve probably heard it before, but you can’t hear it enough. If you’re starting to feel the fatigue set in, step away from your computer. Taking a 5-minute break is not only good for your eyes and posture, but can also be a great way to reinvigorate your thinking. Make a pot of tea, give the dog a scratch, or have a quick lie down in a comfortable chair. If you’re needed on a call but don’t have to present anything, take a walking meeting and go for a stroll around the neighborhood. With the Galaxy Watch4 you can leave your phone at home while staying connected with 4G LTE; and with a pair of the new Galaxy Buds2 you can expect crystal clear audio from the whole team. That way you can stretch your legs, get some fresh air and catch a little extra vitamin D while staying engaged.
Take some time for water cooler catch-ups
It’s no secret that having a good team is one of the best ways to stay happy while on the job. But it’s difficult to form those meaningful connections if every conversation is about work. To better connect with your fellow team-mates, and improve your collective workplace wellbeing, take some time each day to chat with them about something other than work—even if it’s just a TV show you enjoy, or a local sports team you support. If you’re working in the office, take lunch together to break up the day, or if you’re working from home, set up a video call for a casual chat. With the Galaxy Z Fold3 5G’s larger display, and audio by Dolby Atmos, you’ll feel like they’re standing right next to you even if they’re halfway across the world. It may sound small, but you’d be surprised at how much a little socialisation can help you get back into the swing of work.
Reclaim your down time
In the modern workplace, it often seems like work can creep into every corner of your life, from the time you wake up to the time you go to sleep. But that’s why it’s so important to create boundaries around any personal time you’ve got, so you can protect it from being overrun. Rather than answering emails on your commute, take some time to listen to a podcast, or watch an episode from your favourite show. Even if your train is loud, Galaxy Buds2 can help you disconnect and settle down with active noise cancelling. Have an hour for lunch? Take some time to message your family or friends, or even have a quick video call – so you can come back to work feeling recharged and in-charge, rather than constantly sprinting to keep up.