{"id":10339,"date":"2023-12-27T13:18:15","date_gmt":"2023-12-27T19:18:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tailwindapp.com\/blog\/?p=10339"},"modified":"2024-10-16T10:10:54","modified_gmt":"2024-10-16T16:10:54","slug":"work-life-balance-expert-strategies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tailwindapp.com\/blog\/work-life-balance-expert-strategies","title":{"rendered":"Work-Life Balance: 11 Expert Strategies to Reclaim Your Time and Well-Being for 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What did you give up this year because your business needed all of your time and attention?
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Sleep? Time for hobbies? A vacation? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or was it something more serious like your health or a significant relationship?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Letting your business take over all of your time and attention can make you sick, alienate you from friends and family, and crash your mental health.

The struggle to juggle responsibilities and tasks that come with small business ownership is intense! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some tips from veteran business owners and entrepreneurs that we hope will help you get a better work-life balance this week, this month, and this year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep reading and save this post for practical advice and strategies to help you take control of your time and become more successful and less stressed in both your business and personal life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Set a timer\/Take a break<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The top tip from our experts was the recommendation to use a timer to establish a focused work time followed by a short break. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMy number one tip is setting a timer and only working on one thing at a time.\u201d Kate Ahl<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Kate<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Kate never goes longer than 50 minutes before taking a break \u2014 other people set a shorter cycle. This strategy, similar to the Pomodoro Technique, helps improve productivity by creating a sense of urgency and promoting regular breaks to maintain concentration and prevent burnout. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re big fans of the Pomodoro Method! Give it a try with this online timer<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Match tasks to personal energy and creative cycles<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

People\u2019s energy levels fluctuate throughout each day and week. Working smarter, not harder,<\/em> means knowing these cycles and maximizing them for your benefit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically, Mondays might bring a surge of motivation and productivity, while energy tends to dip towards the middle of the week before picking up again as the weekend approaches, influenced by the demands of managing a business<\/a> and the need for periodic rest and recharge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kate Ahl plans her week accordingly: \u201cMondays tend to be the most creative, so I leverage that creative energy by only scheduling one meeting.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What day or time of day do you feel most energized and creative? Guard that time by blocking it off on your calendar and don’t schedule meetings at that time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not sure when you are the most creative? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few tips to determine your personal productive rhythm. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Document and Decode<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

1. Ask a trusted friend or colleague. Have they noticed the times that you seem most energized? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Start a mini-tracker and spend 5 minutes at the end of each day noting the times you got the most done or felt the most focused. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Look at your outgoing messages (emails, Slack, whatever platform you use) to deliver work. Are there patterns in the days and times you send the most finished projects?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t spend more than one week on decoding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Create a hypothesis<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Based on what you\u2019ve learned, what do you think is your most creative time? Write it down or mark it in your calendar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: Test<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Spend a week or two using the time you think is your most creative to work on projects that demand focus and originality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4: Reflect<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

How did it go? Did you get more done? What adjustments should you make to your Creativity Cycle? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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PRO TIP<\/strong>
Susan Moeller, Tailwind\u2019s director of marketing, recommends reviewing your creative cycle periodically. \u201cI used to be unable to get serious original work done in the late afternoon, but I\u2019ve noticed recently that 3-5 p.m. has become more productive for me. At the same time, the early morning, which used to be my peak creative time, has felt less so. I\u2019m realizing that my best work hours aren\u2019t set in stone.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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3. Have a good morning routine<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHaving a morning routine of spending time with yourself before interacting with the world gives you time to reflect on your day ahead and places you in a good mindset.\u201d Niqueea Skyes<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Niqueea<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Many people find that a good morning routine sets a positive tone for the day by providing structure and prioritizing important tasks. It can lead to increased productivity, better mental and physical health, and a greater sense of overall well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t be intimidated thinking you need to get up two hours earlier or add more effort to your morning. Start with one small change and build from there. And, remember, good mornings often start the night before \u2014 are there any tasks you can accomplish before bed that will make your morning better? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Minimize distractions when you are focused on work<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most of us find this really hard to do when we constantly carry around a tool for distraction in our pockets. Yes, you know the one: our phones. And let\u2019s not forget the constant notifications that pop up on our laptops. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heather Farris<\/a> recommends removing phone apps that keep you constantly available. \u201cDelete the messaging apps off of your phone that your clients or students try to contact you on!\u201d she says. \u201cNo, really, you don’t need Slack on your phone.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Heather<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Definitely set aside time to deal with those inquiries but don\u2019t let your other work be hijacked by constant notifications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are three things you can do to minimize your own phone distractions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n