Prioritizing Work-Life Balance and Mental Health for Women
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The ongoing pandemic has highlighted the importance of work-life balance, mental health, and guilt-free parenting for both men and women in the workforce. The topic of flexible working hours, work-from-home and work-life balance have long been discussed in HR departments, but it has taken center stage in recent years.
Hope Trust, a Center for Psychological Wellness, conducted a survey of over 3,000 workers and found that 97% of respondents believed that flexible work hours would improve their quality of life. Maintaining a balance between work and life can be challenging, and it is essential to set boundaries and define the limitations of flexibility to prevent the two from overlapping. Denormalizing conventional beliefs is one way of breaking detrimental habits.
Women, in particular, face limiting beliefs, such as believing that working longer hours means more value at work or that being present for oneself should take a back seat to family commitments. Learning to say “no” is another essential skill. As priorities shift, it becomes easier to identify activities that don’t fit and say “no.” Multitasking has been glamorized to the point of becoming a necessary skill, but in reality, our brains are wired to focus on one task at a time. The ability to do nothing and reflect is also important, as it provides much-needed downtime for the mind and body to rest.
Having a close-knit group of friends and family can help create a strong support system and a safe space to share concerns and difficulties. Being kind to oneself is another crucial aspect of maintaining a work-life balance. It is essential to seek help for one’s mental health, give it the same priority as physical ailments, and celebrate the tasks that have been completed.
Re-reported from the story originally published in India Today
