Learning how to say no at work the right way
September 23, 2024How to achieve work-life balance as a small business owner
Mental wellness
One of the
biggest challenges for small business owners is finding a balance between work
and personal life. When you're the boss, it's easy for everything to blur into
one chaotic swirl, with you stuck at the centre. Without clear boundaries, work
can spill into your personal life, and personal life can leak into work hours,
making everything feel like one big mess. This affects your productivity,
mental health, and relationships both at work and at home.
Let's face it poor
work-life balance can be detrimental to both individuals and businesses. For
instance, if you're the boss who expects your team's attention 24/7, you might
create an atmosphere of anxiety where employees feel obligated to respond to
every email, text, or call at any hour of the day. This, in turn, takes a toll
on their mental health, leaving them stressed, drained, and eventually less
productive. And if you're the one burning the midnight oil constantly, your
personal relationships can suffer, too.
So, how do you
fix this? It all starts with taking a step back, reviewing your current setup,
and figuring out what’s causing the imbalance. Then, you can set up some
boundaries and reclaim your sanity. Here's how to do work-life balance the
right way:
Routine: The foundation of balance
Do you have a
routine? If not, that's a good place to start. Establishing a routine is
crucial because it defines when you're on for work and when you're off-duty for
personal life. However, this isn't a one-size-fits-all scenario. For example,
if you work from home, you might enjoy more flexibility, but that flexibility
can turn into a juggling act that blurs the lines between work and personal
time.
On the other hand, if you have a set commute to an office, your working
hours might already be more structured. Regardless of your setup, defining your
work hours and sticking to them is key. Even if you're the boss, you deserve
time off and your business can run better when you’re not constantly burned
out.
Devices: Double-edged swords
Smartphones and
laptops are amazing for staying connected, but they can also trap you in an
endless cycle of work if you’re not careful. If your phone is always by your
side, the temptation to check emails or messages never disappears, especially
when those notification chimes roll in. To combat this, consider having
separate phones, one for work, one for personal use. When you’re done working
for the day, turn off your work phone, and enjoy some peace and quiet.
If having two
phones feels excessive or costly, create some clear rules for yourself and
others. Let your family and friends know not to call during work hours unless
it’s urgent, and kindly ask your co-workers or clients not to disturb you
outside of working hours unless it’s an emergency. You need that downtime!
Outsourcing; You don't have to do it all
As a small
business owner, you wear many hats, from handling accounts to managing clients
to marketing and everything in between. But trying to do it all can lead to
burnout. Instead, consider outsourcing certain tasks to lighten the load.
Outsourcing things like bookkeeping, IT, or even marketing to professionals not
only ensures that those tasks are handled properly but also frees up your time
for other priorities.
Letting go of control
and trusting others with certain aspects of your business can be hard, but it’s
a smart move that helps you focus on growth while maintaining your mental
well-being.
Workspace: Keep work and life separate
If you work
from home, you’ve already mixed your personal and professional lives to some
degree. To avoid letting work take over your home life, it’s essential to set
up a dedicated workspace somewhere that’s purely for work. When the workday
ends, leave that space and mentally clock out.
Alternatively,
you could consider renting a serviced office, either part-time or full-time.
This can provide a clear boundary between work and home while also offering the
chance to network and mingle with like-minded professionals. Plus, leaving the
house regularly for work can give you a mental refresh.
Personal Life: Make time for what you love
Running a small
business is demanding, but that doesn’t mean your personal life should be put
on the back burner. Having hobbies and interests outside of work is crucial to
achieving a healthy work-life balance. Whether it's sports, reading, hiking, or
simply spending time with friends and family, these activities give you
something to look forward to and help recharge your batteries.
When you make
time for hobbies, you’re more likely to step away from work at appropriate
times. These personal activities serve as boundaries, and when you respect
them, you’ll find more fulfilment in both your personal and professional life.
Summary
Work-life
balance isn’t an automatic perk that comes with owning a small business. In
fact, the opposite is often true, small business owners face a lot of pressure,
juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. But if you don’t find a way to
separate work and personal life, things can go downhill quickly.
Creating
boundaries, establishing routines, and knowing when to step back are key to
maintaining a healthy balance. Whether it’s using a separate workspace,
outsourcing tasks, or simply turning off your phone when the workday ends,
there are ways to protect your mental well-being while still running a
successful business.
Remember:
owning a business should give you freedom, not leave you feeling trapped.
Embrace the balance, enjoy your personal life, and your business will thrive
right along with you.
