We all want to steer clear of burnout and find more balance in our lives. When we get stuck in the vicious cycle of reports, meetings, and deliverables, we forget that we have a life outside the walls of our office. While there’s nothing wrong with a deep commitment to your career, you might end up sacrificing self-care and quality time with loved ones. 

Here are some points to remember to balance your professional life and personal time—and make the most out of it.

Perfection isn’t the key

Perfectionism might develop at a young age when it’s only a time to focus on hobbies and school. Overachievers tend to hold on to perfectionism but as more work falls on their shoulders and responsibilities within the family grow, it gets harder to maintain a perfect streak. The key is not perfectionism but excellence. Be realistic and try to do a little self-analysis at the end of the day. Identify things that could’ve gone better and that would make your work more efficient and satisfying.

Turn on airplane mode

There’s already too much noise in the world, and turning to your phone only heightens that fact. We can’t separate ourselves from technology, especially amid a global health crisis where it’s the only thing that connects us to each other. But this forms the illusion that people are reachable 24/7, even if it’s already after work hours. Making quality time actual quality time will help you develop resilience and give you better control in life.

Prioritize your health

Physical, mental, and emotional health are oftentimes overlooked when people succumb to the demands of the workplace. Why is it that when the pressure of productivity takes over, self-care seems to be easily taken out of the list? Eat. Sleep. Exercise. Meditate. Devote a couple of minutes for deep breaths in the morning. Do quick stretches or run a few laps. These might be little steps, but these can effectively reduce stress and activate your senses. Remember, there’s more you can achieve when you’re at your best state. 

Take a break

If you really want to be away from all the paperwork and get off the field for a while, a well-earned vacation might be what you need. Try to go on long trips, even just for the weekend, at least quarterly. Take the time to recalibrate your priorities and restructure your life. What are the things that matter to you? Perhaps letting go of habits and people that drag you down is already long overdue. Once you’ve re-envisioned your professional life after this break, you’ll be burnout-proof by the time you get back.