In todays fast-paced world, people often find themselves caught in a cycle of work and stress, neglecting their mental health in the pursuit of professional success. However, in reality, maintaining good mental health is crucial not only for personal wellbeing but also for long term career success. An effective way to achieve this is to set yourself a realistic work schedule that allows for balance and self-care.
Consequences of having an unrealistic work schedule
An unrealistic work schedule, such as working long hours, excessive workloads and having little time for relaxation, can have serious consequences on your mental health.
Burnout: Overworking without sufficient rest can lead to a burnout, characterised by physical and mental exhaustion, decreased productivity and increased resentment towards work.
Stress & Anxiety: Constantly rushing to meet tight deadlines and handle heavy workloads can lead to stress and anxiety, which, if left unmanaged, can result in serious mental health issues.
Neglected Personal Life: An unbalanced work schedule often means sacrificing time with family and friends, neglecting hobbies and overlooking selfcare, all which are essential for a fulfilling life.
Reduced Productivity & Creativity: When your schedule is packed with back-to-back tasks, there is little room for creative thinking and problem-solving, which can affect professional growth.
How to setting yourself a realistic work schedule
Now that we understand the risks associated with an unrealistic work schedule, let’s explore some strategies to set a more balanced and realistic work schedule.
Prioritising & Organisation: Identifying and schedule your most important and urgent tasks during your peak productivity hours, this can vary between individuals.
Plan Breaks: Schedule regular breaks throughout your workday. Short breaks can boost productivity and help prevent burnout. Use this time to stretch, take a walk, or have some personal time.
Set Realistic Deadlines: Avoid overcommitting and setting unrealistic deadlines that can lead to unnecessary stress. Don’t hesitate to delegate tasks or seek help from colleagues when necessary, collaboration can reduce your workload and help build supportive work environment.
Establish Boundaries: It is important to set clear boundaries between work and personal life, not working out of hours, communicate your availability to colleagues and managers. You must learn to say no and know your limits, it is important not to overstretch yourself, and it is acceptable decline additional work when your plate is already full.
Maintaining good mental health should be a top priority for everyone, and setting a realistic work schedule is a key step towards achieving this goal. By taking control of your work hours, prioritising self-care and establishing boundaries, you can reduce stress, prevent burnout and ultimately become a more productive and balanced professional. Remember that a realistic work schedule is not a sign of weakness, but rather a wise choice that benefits both your mental health and your career in the long run.
You may also like to read:
How to combat stress in the workplace
