Did you know that our entire team at Outsourcery works remotely? We don’t have physical offices, and all our staff work from home or wherever they choose. We’ve set up our virtual assistant agency like this because we want our team to achieve a healthy work-life balance, whatever that looks like to them.
As an entrepreneur, you have a lot on your plate. It’s important that you find a good work-life balance to do things that make you happy and help you unwind, even when things get super challenging within your business. In order to be an effective and resilient leader, you need to have a work-life balance in the bag.
We’ve interviewed some of our virtual and executive virtual assistants about what work-life balance means to them and what advice they can share for getting it right. Keep reading if you’d like to know more about achieving the ultimate work-life balance.
Start the day off strong
By starting the day right, you set the tone for the remainder of it. Yvette Barry, one of our skilled virtual assistants, says work-life balance begins when you start the day off doing something that improves your body and your mind.
“Take time away from your home office to exercise or relax, either at the start of the day or the end of the day,” she says.
Whether it’s meditating, going for a walk, or reading a book, find something that helps you start the day off on the right foot.
Stick to a routine
Another piece of advice Yvette has is to stick to a set routine as much as possible. “Start work at the same time, take lunch every day, and end at the same time,” she says.
One of our experienced executive virtual assistants, Paula Nieuwoudt, echoes the same point. “I find structure and routine work best for me. I have a set routine every morning, and I try to stick to it.” She explains. “I also try to stick to my working times as much as possible.”
Liesel Sonnekus, another one of our expert virtual assistants, says something similar. “I have very set working hours and will not open my laptop after hours,” she says.
Having a set routine in place with strict working hours gives your day balance and opens up time for you to do the things that you find fulfilling outside of work.
As an SME owner, you might find it difficult to stick to set working hours, but the more you attempt to limit work to certain times, the sooner those you work with will realise when you are available. “Having those boundaries set from the start is really important,” Paula mentions.
Pay attention to your work area
Have you ever heard the saying that a cluttered space results in a cluttered mind? Not only is it important to have a designated area of your home where you work, but it’s also essential to keep it neat and tidy so that you can think straight.
“Keep your working area separate from your living area, if possible,” Yvette suggests. “If that’s not possible, make sure not to work in your bedroom.”
When we have designated working and resting areas, our brains create associations with each space. When you’re in your bedroom, your mind will naturally go into relaxation mode. And, when you’re in your workspace, your brain will know it’s time to focus.
Once you have your designated workspace, fill it with things that make you happy. “Try to have flowers or leaf arrangements in your work area. I like to have plants around my office,” says Liesel.
“End the day by packing up your workspace,” Yvette recommends. “If it’s a separate room, shut the door as if you are leaving the office. If it’s the dining room or lounge, then put all your work-related items out of sight.”
Now that you’ve heard from our virtual team about how they achieve a work-life balance, why not look into hiring a virtual assistant to give you more time to focus on creating a balance? Visit our website to book a consultation, and we’ll tell you more about hiring a remote virtual assistant.
