What is Work-Life Balance? Godwin Ofikwu Discusses

Work-life balance is a term that is thrown around a lot today, says Dr. Godwin Ofikwu. It’s become a corporate buzzword that indicates plenty of PTO or flexible work hours. But that’s not how the concept started–and that’s not what the movement is at its core.

Work-life balance is the concept that work and a person’s total life need to be in equilibrium. In other words, no one part of your life should take over or dominate another. This could include physical health, mental health, emotional wellbeing, family time, personal interests, hobbies and more.

Work-life balance is an important goal,  but it can often be difficult to achieve. Many of us spend more than 40 hours at work each week and even more time on social media. This can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and an overall sense that life is passing you by.

Godwin Ofikwu Discusses Why Work-Life Balance Is Important

Too much work and not enough of the other parts of life can lead to burn-out. Burn-out is when you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, unmotivated, and unfulfilled. This can have a negative impact on your physical and mental health, says Dr. Godwin Ofikwu.

Some people think that if they work harder their career will take off and they’ll be more successful, which will make them happy. But this can have the opposite effect. Working too much can make it difficult for you to focus on your family or personal interests. This can have a negative impact on your relationships with friends and partners if they start to feel neglected.

Work-life balance is important because you don’t want to end up sacrificing other areas of your life just to make your job successful.

The Importance of Maintaining Your Health

Many people mistakenly believe that working more is the key to success. But in reality, this can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. In order to avoid this, remember to take time out of your day for exercise and healthy eating. Work won’t be as difficult if you are in good physical health, says Godwin Ofikwu.

It’s important for your mental and emotional well-being to maintain a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep. By making these changes, you will find it easier to achieve a work-life balance. You’ll feel less stressed, more energetic and productive at work, and more confident about yourself.

Find Time for Relaxation and Leisure

Work-life balance is different for everyone. But no one should be sacrificing the other areas of their life for work. If you feel anxious or lethargic and unmotivated when you’re not working, you need to invest some time in yourself. It’s all about finding the balance that works for you.

When evaluating your work-life balance, think about how much time you spend on various activities. If you’re spending more time at work than on your hobbies, start making a conscious effort to set aside some time for yourself each day, advises Godwin Ofikwu.

Try carving out an hour for a walk every evening or setting aside one day each week to do something new and challenging (like rock climbing or painting). These types of activities will help you clear your head and relax so that you can return to work without losing productivity and motivation.