As with everything in life, finding the balance between working and doing your hobbies might be problematic. You may also find it challenging to do everything else, like figuring out how to spend time with your family and friends. Still, there are certain things in life that we care about.
For example, if you play an instrument or love hiking, you must figure out the best ways to do those things without work interference or focusing on work issues during your time off. What are the best ways you can do so? We have researched 10 different ways, so here they are:
- Set boundaries
- Take breaks
- Devote specific time to hobbies
- Create a realistic schedule
- Set goals
- Accept that imbalance happens
- Take frequent vacations
- Ask for help
- Prioritize your health
- Set your priorities
This article explains in detail the practices mentioned above. We will also provide examples for some as well. Here at Cyber Detect Pro, we care about your overall well-being and want you to be the most successful person you can be. That being said, let us continue reading, shall we?
What Are Some Ways to Balance Work and Hobbies?
One of the best ways to balance work and hobbies is to take time for yourself. No one needs to work 24/7 despite us feeling like we should. Without having something else to do in your spare time, you might feel upset because you only do one thing with your life: work! In that case, managing your time and taking good care of yourself is extremely important.
1. Set Boundaries
Know when to say no to certain things, especially if you are a people-pleaser. It is a complex skill to learn but an extremely important one.
For example, if you work in any customer service-related job, your boss will most likely ask you to stay an hour or two or come in earlier. However, it can be hard when you have a family to take care of or if you set extra time before or after work to do a hobby.
In that case, setting boundaries and telling them no is entirely okay. You do not owe anyone an explanation as to why, either. All you have to say is that you are busy during those times. This is especially true if you do not need to arrive early or stay later.
2. Take Breaks
Taking breaks from both hobbies and work is extremely important. Doing so improves creativity, mindset, and energy. You never want to get burnt out on any of the things you are doing. Otherwise, it could lead to dissatisfaction, depression, social isolation, or other worse things.
You can take breaks by doing the following:
- Spend time working on a different task at work
- Take a week off from doing said hobby
- Going somewhere on the weekends
- Do physical activities (work out, hike, organize the house, bike, etc.)
- Take a vacation
- Go somewhere special during the holidays (or stay home and do nothing.)
Another thing to consider is if you have ADHD or cannot focus on something for an extended period, try doing the Pomodoro technique, where you do a specific task for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Once that small break is over, do the job for another 25 minutes, then take another 5-minute break. Do this method until you finish said task, and then start something else. Here is an online timer you can use.
3. Devote Specific Time to Hobbies
All people are different when it comes to time management, but organizing and devoting time to your hobbies is a skill that you will need to learn how to do. For example, if you love painting but are managing a lot of extra things, schedule a specific timeframe throughout the week that is geared towards making beautiful artwork.
If you have children, do not be afraid to ask for help from your significant other or other family members. This is especially true if you want to turn your hobby into something you wish to sell later or gift to a specific person.
However, if you do not have this option, try letting your children or other family members join in on what you are doing. That way, it is not only an event you are doing by yourself, but you also include other household members.
4. Create a Realistic Schedule
Suppose you want to create a schedule or a list of things to do that day. In this case, we recommend finding 3 to 5 things you need or want to do during that day instead of writing down 10 to 20 things. Having unrealistic expectations for yourself leads to disappointment and makes you feel like a failure due to “not accomplishing enough.”
However, if you finish the 3 to 5 tasks you have written down, you have managed your time well and achieved your daily goals. This also gives you more time to do what you love the most!
5. Set Goals
What is your most productive time of day to work? It could be at night or early morning when everyone is still sleeping.
Setting goals for yourself is extremely important as you manage your time better and provide strategic ways of getting something done. Block everything out during that timeframe to get your most important work done.
For example, if you love checking social media, emails, and your phone every few minutes, teach yourself discipline and self-control. Although looking at these things may only take a few minutes, that time adds up quickly. Because of this, you will be wasting your time and not getting as much stuff done.
However, an easy way to stop doing this is by keeping your phone out of reach. For example, if you work from home and get tempted by your cell phone, put it in a different room until you finish your work.
Another example is to keep all electronic devices off (except the one you are currently working on) to ensure you do not get distracted from those things as well.
6. Accept That Imbalance Is a Part of Life at Times
Life happens, and there will always be some imbalance that throws everything off. During this time, give yourself some grace, as your schedule might not go according to plan.
For example, if you become sick for a particular time, remind yourself that it is okay not to do your tasks immediately. Sometimes, that might mean you will not get to do a hobby you love, and sometimes, you will need to miss out on work for a couple of days. In that case, it is entirely okay to have an imbalance.
7. Take Frequent Vacations
Going somewhere different helps your brain to think differently. Not only do you come back home refreshed, but you come back with a new perspective, providing a unique memory for you to look back on. Here are some other benefits of taking vacations:
- Improves mental health
- Reduces stress
- Provides better health
- It helps you become more productive
- It helps you be happier
- Provides creativity
- Creates life satisfaction
8. Ask For Help
Do not be afraid to ask your family members or friends for help! This is especially true if you already have that “village” of people to help you during a hard time. For example, if your car is having trouble but you need to get to work or drop off your kids at school, find someone nearby to help you get to the destination you need to be.
Another example is asking someone trustworthy to take your kids off your hands for a day. Not only does it help improve your mental health, but it also helps you do what you need to do throughout the house, get specific work done, or do your hobby alone without interruptions.
Lastly, if you are going through a hard time mentally, do not be afraid to reach out to someone you trust. If you are single and living alone, consider going to a friend or family member’s house for a few days to regain your mental state. That way, you do not have to worry about going through things alone and can get help if needed. Otherwise, consider seeking professional help.
9. Prioritize Your Health
Suppose you have not prioritized your health lately, and this has caused you to feel sluggish and out of sorts. In that case, it is imperative to remember to stay healthy. Work out during the times you can and make better eating choices.
For example, if you wish to eat more salads instead of sandwiches, ensure plenty of protein is available during that meal so you do not get hungry two hours later. Not only that, but another excellent way to remain healthy is by meal prepping. Taking a few hours to prepare a week’s worth of meals will help you save money, time, and gas. This is especially true if you eat out frequently out of convenience.
10. Set Your Priorities
What are the priorities you need to do for work and life? For example, if you need to meet a specific quota by the end of the day, do that before anything else. Create a list of things that you need to accomplish beforehand as well. The same can be said about after-work hours as well.
Should Hobbies Be Before or After Work?
Depending on your hobby, you can do it before or after work. For example, if you tend to a garden and need to water your plants early in the morning instead of evening, make sure to do so before leaving for work that day. However, if one of your hobbies is blogging, you can easily do that in the evening, especially if you are a night owl!
On the other hand, some people prefer to wake up early in the morning to get some reading or chores done beforehand. In that case, find what works best for you and stick with that plan.
Conclusion
Although you can balance work and life in many ways, the best ones are mentioned above! Overall, it takes a lifestyle change to incorporate doing the things you love the most.
However, once you get the hang of things, you cannot stop doing what you love the most! We hope this article was helpful to you in some way. We have you covered if you have any other questions or need guidance with Cyber Security.