Achieving a healthy work-life balance as a self-employed professional may be challenging, but it is crucial for overall well-being and productivity.
In an increasingly connected world of flexible work, where work and home boundaries easily blend, managing work-life balance to the best of our abilities is more important than ever.
To help improve work-life balance, Toolbox by Admiral has spoken to their customers to find out how they are improving their working habits, and they have revealed various actionable tips to assist self-employed professionals in this endeavour.
- Setting Boundaries: One of the key challenges for self-employed individuals is overcommitting to work. To combat this, it’s essential to set clear boundaries between your professional and personal life. Creating a fixed schedule or a dedicated workspace can help you maintain these boundaries effectively.
- Explore Hiring Options: Attempting to handle all tasks alone can be overwhelming. Consider outsourcing some tasks to boost productivity and free up time for other responsibilities. If feasible, think about bringing in additional help or collaborating with other professionals.
- Set Realistic Goals: Self-employed professionals often set high expectations for themselves. It’s important to establish practical, daily objectives and deadlines to prevent feeling overwhelmed and to stay motivated as you progressively accomplish your tasks.
- Take Regular Breaks: Getting absorbed in work and neglecting breaks is a common pitfall. However, regular breaks are vital for your mental and physical health. They can also enhance work productivity. Allocate short, regular intervals in your day to relax, enjoy a coffee, or get some fresh air, and ensure you take time off over the weekend.
- Dedicate Time for Leisure Activities: Engaging in hobbies and interests outside of work is essential for overall well-being and avoiding burnout. Allocate time for activities you love, such as reading, hiking, or spending quality time with family and friends.
- Establish a Support Network: Self-employment can sometimes feel lonely. Therefore, forming a network of friends, family, or fellow self-employed professionals can significantly enhance your work-life balance. Sharing experiences and seeking advice from like-minded individuals can make a big difference.
- Prioritise Self-Care: Taking care of your mental and physical health is crucial. Allocate time for self-care activities during your days off or post-work evenings. This might include exercising, cooking one of your favourite meals, or ensuring you get adequate sleep. Prioritising self-care can improve your mood, reduce stress, and ultimately boost your productivity.
Why is a healthy work-life balance so important?
The reasons people choose a freelance or self-employed career can vary, but one of the biggest motivators is attaining a healthier work-life balance. According to a study by Forbes Advisor, over half (54%) of British workers would consider accepting a lower-paid job in exchange for a better work-life balance, highlighting the significance of work-life balance for many professionals in the UK.
A spokesperson from Toolbox emphasised the importance of a healthy work-life balance, saying, “Achieving this balance between one’s professional and personal life is crucial for self-employed individuals. We’ve found that overcommitting to work is one of the biggest struggles for self-employed workers. That’s why we’ve compiled these seven helpful tips that will hopefully help self-employed professionals benefit.”
In a world where the lines between work and personal life are becoming increasingly blurred, these seven strategies provided by the self-employment insurance experts at Toolbox can be a game-changer for those striving for a better work-life balance. By managing time wisely, exploring hiring options, setting realistic goals, taking regular breaks, dedicating time to leisure activities, establishing a support network, and prioritising self-care, self-employed professionals can find greater harmony between their personal and professional lives, ultimately improving their overall well-being and productivity.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
