Discussion: Managing the Work/Life Balance

I have certain activities that get organized before work -- prayer, some time with family, and exercise.  Once those are in place, I can handle anything work sends my way.

I try to find anything that makes me happy as an outlet to manage stress. Getting outdoors, going to the gym, or spending time with my family and significant other  work the best for me 

It is definitely harder to maintain the separation when working from home.  I make sure that dinner time is a family activity and I always explain to my son why I have to work a little later if that happens.

It has definitely been challenging this semester, especially with a heavy class and work schedule. But I find for myself, that doing things I enjoy, like running, exercising and journaling helps me to slow down. I also think that for me, a messy space means a messy mind! So even if I take 15 mins to tidy up, really helps.

This has been particularly challenging for me as an applied epidemiologist and even more so from the pandemic and other emerging disease threats that seem to be unending. Just comes with the job really. The other challenge is on top of work epidemiologists, are expected to pursue certifications and learn new skills to remain competitive in their fields, which can be difficult to do during work hours. For me, my main coping mechanisms are exercise, meditation, and making sure I do not work after hours or weekends unless its an emergency. Taking walking breaks a lot at work helps. Wish I had a better solution for this myself. Burnout is real and can creep on you slowly and wear you down if you do not set boundaries and ensure you make self-care a priority. 

I second what my colleagues have shared, and will add- I make self-care an item on my to-do list just like any other task. Work is always there. So take your lunch break and read a book or go for a quick walk! (I just started a new job with additional responsibilities, so this is something I am actively reminding myself of)

I know that this isn't possible for everyone because a lot of epi's are on call, but for me once I'm at home then I'm at HOME. No thinking about work problems, no checking my email, just me and the real life problems I've been ignoring while at work, lol.

It is so hard! The hard part is, as the PH Vet, I get calls even if I am not "on call", and even on vacation because I have unique knowledge. So, what I do is meditate and I must exercise! I walk my dog and play a lot of tennis!

Lots of checklists of things that need to get done. Coordinated Google Calendar between all my accounts (I teach at two institutions, work at a third, and then there's my personal email), and between my wife and I. Sunday and Wednesday check-ins with my wife to know where we're at, who needs to pick up the child, when I'll be working from home versus in Philadelphia.
For the long commutes, find audiobooks and podcasts to listen to that are escapes or educational. Forget the news. They're all about getting you angry lately. There's too much of that already.
Planned "self-care" days.
Planned vacations to anywhere.
Punch through all work emails and reply to everything as needed. Prioritize communications.
Even then, my life is a bit of organized chaos.

I ensure I have a clean and productive work space, have a to-do list and begin each day with prayers- It allows me to focus more and have the mindset that I can do all things. Also, once I log out- I am done for the day except I am on call. I try to focus on family and other life needs, taking care of myself which includes sleep. 

To maintain a work/life balance, I do not have work email installed on my phone, and I only check work email during my work hours. One piece of advice I have been provided with is to make time for myself in the midst of being there for others.