How to find work-life balance as a Virtual ASSISTANT.
Detaching from work sure isn’t easy when you aren’t working a standard 9-5. WIth constant communication at our fingertips, how do we make sure we take time for OURSELVES?
Having a corporate job, for the most part, allows for a certain level of detachment when you leave the office for the day. Although, with lot of people working from home, lines are starting to blur. Having the ability to clock out for the day gives a sense of completion and the ability to move on to other activities and relaxation.
When it comes to working for yourself it feels like you are always on call.
How can we make sure that we set aside time to decompress, have family time, enrich our friendships, and, quite frankly, do nothing? In a world that promotes being a workaholic, let’s find a way to have the best of both worlds.
-Set Business Hours-
When setting expectations with your clients, include your “business hours”. Explain that during those set hours you will be available to contact through x, y, and z. Outside of business hours your clients can still contact you but you will reply the next business day. Setting realistic expectations gives you and your client appropriate boundaries.
-Keep Work Apps On Your Computer-
Containing the apps you use for work to your computer gives you the ability to truly log off. I know we all want to go above and beyond for our clients, but there will be a point when we lose our free-time. Keeping apps like Slack on our computer decreases the temptation to just quickly respond. If you manage social media accounts for other businesses, try to only be logged into those accounts on your computer and keep only your personal socials logged in on your phone.
-Remember You Deserve Time Off-
Being your own boss can seem like gaining a whole different level of freedom until we realize we are thinking business 24/7. Just like working a corporate job, you still deserve your time off. Book the vacation, schedule days to just relax, and truly disconnect. Even details as small as lunch, walk away from your work and take the time to have a peaceful lunch break.
I hope this tips become common practice in your business. Your mental health will thank you for it, and so will the people that surround you.
Need help finding that balance in your business? Reach out and let me guide you along the way!