5 Actions You Must Take for Real “Work-Life Balance” When You're Single
For single women, keeping a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives can be especially challenging because, for the most part, they are juggling everything alone. There is often no support system to fall back on, even when they have a strong social network.
Keeping this balance, though, is critical for physical, mental, and emotional health. It can help prevent burnout, musculoskeletal problems, and chronic diseases. It can support financial wellness, professional development, healthy personal relationships, as well as self-confidence.
With a few tweaks and conscious effort, single women can find “work-life balance”, boosting their energy, their holistic well-being, and their confidence.
Here are some tips to get you started
Set clear boundaries: Setting boundaries is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. As a single woman, it can be tempting to take on more work or work longer hours. You may feel the need to take on more responsibilities to prove yourself. You may have colleagues or bosses that assume you can take on extra hours or work because you don't have a partner (or possibly kids). However, saying yes to everything can lead to burnout and overwhelm. It’s important to know when to say no. Setting clear boundaries at work and in your personal life can help you prioritize your needs and prevent burnout. Talk with your manager or your HR representative if you are experiencing singleism at work.
Prioritize self-care: Self-care is essential for overall well-being, not an indulgence. It's important to take time out of your busy schedule to do things that you enjoy, such as exercise, reading, spending time with friends and family, taking a bubble bath, or going for a run. Make self-care a priority in your daily routine, and you'll feel more balanced and energized. It will also enhance your performance at work, so you work smarter, not harder.
Create a support system: Building a support system of friends, family, and colleagues can help you stick with your boundaries, invest in your self-care, and keep you from feeling lonely. Loneliness is an epidemic in the US, that can lead to substance abuse, depression, lack of exercise and proper nutrition, and more. Social support is important not only to help when shit hits the fan, but to help you celebrate your victories.
Utilize technology: Technology has made it easier to work remotely, manage tasks, and stay connected with loved ones. Utilize tools like video calls, task management apps, and online calendars to stay on top of your work and personal commitments. Create templates to save time on emails and other tasks you perform regularly. Automate when possible, and outsource where you can. Again, work smarter, not harder.
Learn to Delegate: This ties into setting boundaries, using technology, and building a support system. As a single woman, it can be tempting to try to do everything yourself. You may feel you don’t want to burden anyone, you may want to prove yourself to yourself or to others…However, learning to delegate tasks can help you free up time for more important things. There is zero shame in delegating. In fact, it’s what leaders do. Prioritize your energy and time so that you can focus on the things that matter most.
If you’re feeling stuck in life, stretched to the max, and wondering how the hell you got here, take a look at your daily routines and how they’re preventing you from thriving personally and professionally at the same time. It is possible. Remember what I tell my wellness coaching clients, it's not about striving for perfection, but rather finding a balance that works for you.
Need some help getting unstuck? Want more energy, focus, confidence, and better health? Ready to feel in control of life with a clear sense of purpose? Helping single women do just that is my jam. Hit this link for a complimentary strategy session.