Whether driven by the desire for professional success or the constant connectedness that has resulted from the digital age, throwing yourself into your job is an issue that can be detrimental to your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. That is why work-life balance is so important, a concept that describes the balance that a working person requires between their job and their personal life.
When it comes to your personal life, this can take the form of family, friends, hobbies, social activities, or even just having the alone time you need to decompress and recharge. Although work-life balance sounds great in theory, many working professionals find it difficult to actually create such a balance in their own lives.
Cantor Benny Rogosnitzky of New York currently serves as Cantor of the prestigious Park East Synagogue on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Throughout his career, he has taught and guided many of today’s well-known cantors and is involved at the leadership level in many charitable organizations. His busy schedule means that he too has struggled with work-life balance. But luckily, he has been able to develop a healthier lifestyle thanks to advice that he has taken to heart.
IMAGE: PEXELS
1. Do Not Hesitate To Unplug
According to Cantor Benny Rogosnitzky, it can be difficult to forget about work when we’re constantly glued to our cell phones and laptops, as emails and updates come in even when you are off the clock. That is why he urges all people to take time to unplug on a weekly, if not daily basis. Putting your phone away is the only way to truly decompress after a busy, stressful week.
It also provides the time and space you need for other ideas or thoughts to take form in your head, which don’t relate to work. Although unplugging might seem like a scary thought, Cantor Benny Rogosnitzky states that there are many ways to unplug.
Unplugging doesn’t have to mean turning off your cell phone for days or even hours on end. One example of an effective way to unplug is replace checking your emails or social media while on your daily commute with meditating or even reading a book. The simple act of not looking at your phone for any set period of time, whether it be for a few minutes or an hour, will help take your focus away from work and allow you to relax and de-stress.
2. Always Prioritize Your Physical, Emotional, And Mental Health
An important part of work-life balance is your health. In order not to be overworked or burnt out from work, you need to make sure your physical, mental, and emotional health is always the top priority. If your health is suffering in any way, it’s going to make it more difficult to be happy in both your work life and your personal life.
If you suffer from depression or anxiety and think you could benefit from therapy, then take care of yourself by finding a therapist and booking a weekly session. Further, many people feel guilty or stressed about the prospect of calling in sick when they aren’t feeling well. But going into work when you’re under the weather not only puts your coworkers at risk of getting sick, but can make you actually feel worse, as you’ll then be tired and overworked on top of the other symptoms you’re dealing with.
Moreover, Cantor Benny Rogosnitzky asserts that mental health is just as important as physical health. If you’re having a tough day mentally or emotionally, there is no shame in calling in sick. Your illness is just as valid whether it’s mental or physical. Lastly, part of prioritizing your health is taking pre-emptive measures to ensure you feel your best. For example, meditating, doing yoga, or exercising on a regular basis are all things you can do to keep your mind and body healthy and in tune.
3. Establish Clear Boundaries
In the digital age, it can be difficult to put your work down at the end of the day, even after you’ve arrived home. However, Cantor Benny Rogosnitzky asserts that refusing to adhere to work hours can be extremely detrimental to your personal life. Habits such as responding to work emails before bed each night or while on vacation can be dangerous. Not only will working overtime on a regular basis lead to burnout, but it can cause strain in your personal relationships, with people who miss getting to spend quality time with you. That is why it is essential to establish clear boundaries and work hours from the outset.
Talk to your colleagues and your boss about your boundaries and ensure that everyone understands what the expectations are. Of course, there may be a few times a year where there is a big project and it’s necessary for you to work longer hours, but generally speaking, if you wish to find a positive work-life balance, you need to have a clear understanding of when you can stop working each day.
Cantor Benny Rogosnitzky recommends separating your work from your personal life as much as possible. For example, using different computers or phones for work, or using different browsers or email platforms. Even something as simple as snoozing all work-related notifications on your phone between the hours of 6:00 pm and 8:00 am can help you set boundaries and ensure that you have time to spend with your family and friends.
If you are interested in even more lifestyle-related articles and information from us here at Bit Rebels, then we have a lot to choose from.
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