How to achieve work-life balance

Today, Millennials are approximately 22 to 37 years old, while those from Generation X are roughly 38 to 53 years old. With this age difference, many might expect priorities to differ when it comes to the workplace, but a recent Caddle survey reveals that the two generations actually share almost identical priorities at work. Both generations prioritize work-life balance first (31% Millennials, 30% Gen X), followed by respectful treatment (21% Millennials, 22% Gen X) and the opportunity to help others (15% Millennials, 13% Gen X).

If you aspire to achieve greater work-life balance, here are tips on steps you can take on both professional and personal fronts:

At work

At risk of getting an infamously catchy song stuck in your head, your key mantra should be to “let go.” Forbes recommends letting go of the pursuit of perfection, and proposes the idea that quantity over quality in the workplace may be better for the soul.

Both Forbes and Mayo Clinic encourage you to delegate more; Mayo Clinic further adds that you should say “no” more often – this will help you prioritize, manage your time more accurately, and therefore perform at a higher rate. Mayo Clinic also provides sage advice around email management: reduce email checkpoints to three times daily (late morning, early afternoon and late in the day) – this allows you to start your day by prioritizing your individual tasks and challenges, not those around you.

While it may seem counterintuitive, asking for help, delegation, and saying “no” are all signs of professional growth – these same habits that help achieve work-life balance are also milestones that your manager is likely looking for in your development.

In life

While it may be cliché, there is so much truth to the saying that “health is wealth.” While it may seem nearly impossible with everything going on at work, making time to exercise and eat healthfully are fundamental factors to achieving work-life balance.

Another important factor in improving personal health and professional performance is proper sleep. Harvard Business Review makes the case for getting quality z’s and provides tips on how to do so.

Whichever steps you choose to take toward a better work-life balance, remember to start small.