3 rules for better work-life balance | The Way We Work, a TED series

Have you answered a work email during an important family event? Or taken a call from your boss while on vacation? According to behavioral scientist and Harvard Business School professor Ashley Whillans, "always-on" work culture is not only ruining our personal well-being — but our work, as well. She shares which bad habits are stopping us from getting what we need out of our free time and three practical steps for setting boundaries that stick.

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[emilylyons]

1) find an employer that values you as a human being

[lifeeun]

I've been working with my dad for 3 years. My dad is literally my boss. We always talked about work AFTER work. I was getting stressed out without noticing. At some point, i started smoking and staying outside of home during weekend. We started having a really bad relationship due to disagreements. I decided to move out from my parents home and things sorted out. I was able to run away from 24 hours working enviroment and now im good and we are good. Im happy that i have my own time and space even though im spending a lot of money for renting.

[DemetriPanici]

*You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength. - Marcus Aurelius*

[serene]

1) reframe rest
2) set team goals for personal time
3) negotiate for more time

[PresentForMyself]

Creating boundaries is not just for our personal relationships. Thanks for reminding us to do so professionally as well. Because our ability to earn and materially care for ourselves and our families is tied to our work, it can seem harder to set professional boundaries. However, if we want to enjoy the fruits of our labor, it is necessary. Peace to all.

[philbailey]

Your workplace needs to know that their employees deserve a break and need time away from work by not replying to them right away or during the weekend. This will help refresh perspectives and solutions when employees come back to work. The mind and soul of everyone need to relax and recharge while away from work. Even teachers have problems doing this as they feel they need to be there for their students and staff. If any workplace demands immediate replies, then it might be time to find an employer that respects your time and life.

[elizabethbradshaw]

I work in a job that is demanding seasonally. Recently we implemented a 4-day work week for our off-season to balance this out and it has made a world of difference for my motivation and level off burn-out. I also never have notifications on for work emails.

[crylikeachild]

I have been burned out since starting WFH. Colleagues have set call meeting or contacted on my weekends, the managers have given the deadlines to work throughout the weekends. My private life has been interrupted by work. This video encourages me to be stronger to take back my time. Thanks much.

[War-Jac]

I love how "work culture" is strictly defined as office work. Almost none of this applys to service or manual labor jobs.

[oeillade]

These are all great tips if you already work in a place that's pretty reasonable and values you highly as a worker. Many people would be labelled as "slow" or "lazy" or be told they need to "say yes more" if they did this. Great if you can do this without threatening your job though, but I wouldn't say typical.

[ianrobert]

That's great, Sometimes we need to get our minds off negativity and just motivate ourselves, If you dwell on your failures you will end up not achieving your dreams, take a chance and try something new.

[givergiver]

1. Reframe rest 2. Set boundaries 3. Set team goals 4. Negotiate

[darranporter]

This is ideal and the science is sound. But do be aware that you can easily be replaced by someone who IS prepared to do the extra hours, because there's a million people for your corporation to choose from to step right into your shoes. This is the reality. The culture of fear and insecurity instilled in us by our leaders of commerce/industry needs to be addressed to feel safe enough to put in boundaries on our personal time.

[DemetriPanici]

Even though I work from home, something I often do is force myself to stop working to take a "water cooler break". Or I'll just drop to the floor and start doing pushups

[gigarevazashvili]

Oh my Lord!!!! I am really grateful to this Ma'am for the video about optimizing the working process.

While I was watching this video, I found the answer to why Russians are so sad and aggressive. It is very simple - merely they don't know what means to relax in their day-offs and vacations - their minds are always stuck in the issues
of regulating their everyday activities, handling everything just in time (with yellings, swearing, and nervosity).

In brief, the ability to relax and distract yourself in your spare time - is one of the real guarantees of your success.

And hello to Adam Grant with his "languishing" and his tips about changing mindset))))

[ko]

They add up to people quitting their jobs

[fat]

In short have time for yourself. Just you alone. Rest. Meditate, and have gratitude. Self care is needed anyway.

[tl]

"Won't check email between 6 and 8 pm". How about I won't check email between 5 pm and 8 am?

[tiresamercruy]

Thank you for this. Some helpful tools to use. When you're passionate about your work you find it more hard to switch off. But now I realize the importance of resting and valuing time to reduce stress and a more balanced lifestyle.

[garciavashchino]

I don't mind being distracted, as a matter of fact if i don't want to be distracted at the moment, I just ignore or text "call you back, busy".

I love my own power to do or not do. Sometimes i have to answer the call. But when i don't have to, believe me you I won't!!😁