People born between 1945 and 1960, or Baby Boomers, were born into a world at war, and exposed to many hardships at a young age. Work-life balance wasn’t always a primary concern for the workforce of this generation. Perhaps as a result of this upbringing, 80% of Boomers in the workforce report high levels of stress. While a life filled with work can be purposeful, it can also lead to chronic stress and burnout.
Although having an ambitious work ethic is an admirable quality, working around the clock, whether that’s at a full-time job, volunteer work, or hobbies, isn’t productive and can negatively affect your overall health.
Why is work-life balance so important?
It is crucial for our health to take breaks when we need them, and to leave work at work whenever we can. Work-life balance reduces mental health issues like depression and anxiety, as well as physical health issues like fatigue and chronic pain.
Carving out time for relaxation to simply enjoy activities you love or activities you’ve never tried before can also boost your productivity, whether at work or for your other responsibilities.
Create the balance that’s right for you.
It’s up to you to decide what your work-life balance will look like, as this will be different for everyone. For someone who prioritizes family time, work-life balance may entail getting a part-time job to pay the bills, or even retiring early to make more time for children or grandchildren.
Perhaps work-life balance means working four days a week in order to join a volunteer group or spend more time cultivating friendships. Whatever your priorities may be, it’s worthwhile to find the perfect balance between your professional and personal life.
Work-life balance doesn’t just mean your job.
The word “work” can be substituted for any other responsibility in your life that takes its toll: volunteer, board member, friend, even parent. Each of these roles requires you to be at your very best and taking time for yourself on a regular basis can help you get there.
Consider work-life balance as a positive life change you can make in order to improve your overall quality of life. Anyone, at any age, can benefit from reevaluating their priorities and adjusting accordingly.
If your current home doesn’t provide the right environment in which to relax, consider moving into an active adult community! Living in a community like this can give you more wiggle room in your schedule to dedicate to the things or people you love most. At some communities like Epcon, outdoor maintenance is taken care of, including mowing the lawn and shoveling snow. You may also be able to choose from a variety of floor plans and personalize your home to your preferences.
Many of these communities are created with socialization in mind! There are often many ways to unwind in a safe manner, like listening to live music at the pool in the summer, trying a new workout at the fitness center, or joining a dinner club with other residents.
To learn more about how living in an active adult community can help you keep up the perfect work-life balance, subscribe to our blog today.
