Work-Life Balance: What Does It Mean to & “Work Smart”; from a Mental Health Perspective?
Authored by Sarah Maamari, Psychologist for Children, Adolescents, and Families at Sage Clinics
In today’s fast-paced, high-demand life, the idea of working smart has become particularly important especially when it comes to protecting our mental health. We hear a lot about work-life balance, but achieving it can seem difficult, particularly when our jobs require long hours, constant availability, and short deadlines. As we strive for success, it can quickly become overwhelming, making it essential to work smarter, not harder.
Working smart means recognizing that productivity isn’t just about how much we do but how effectively we manage our tasks while maintaining emotional and mental health.
Too often, we normalize working long hours and pushing through stress because it is expected or because it is the office culture. However, this can lead to burnout and decreased productivity.
To work smart is to protect our mental health. This means being mindful of our emotional state during the workday. It’s easy to get caught up in rushing through tasks and meeting deadlines, but taking a step back to check in with ourselves and planning accordingly is crucial. This involves breaking down tasks into manageable steps, using tools like to-do lists or digital apps, and recognizing when we’re feeling overwhelmed.
By doing so, we can work more efficiently without unnecessary stress.
Another aspect of working smart is setting clear boundaries between work and personal life. Many people fall into the trap of always being “on” or available, responding to emails at all hours, or working through breaks. Creating distinct spaces for work and relaxation is vital. For instance, separating work devices like laptops and mobile phones from personal ones, and keeping work emails confined to work devices, can help prevent the temptation to check work notifications during personal time. This separation ensures there’s time for personal activities and rest, which are crucial for maintaining
mental well-being.
Working smart also means taking regular breaks. Whether it’s stepping outside for a walk, having a healthy snack, or simply taking a few moments to breathe, breaks are essential for both physical and mental health. Without them, our focus and energy drop, and the quality of our work changes. It is important to remember that productivity is not only about how much you do, but how well you can sustain focus and energy over time.
Regular breaks help recharge and refocus, ultimately making you more productive in the long run.
Working smart also involves being kind to yourself. It’s easy to fall into perfectionism or the trap of doing everything at once. But it is important to acknowledge that you are doing your best and give yourself permission to rest when needed. Working smart is about finding a sustainable pace that allows you to thrive both mentally and professionally.
Lastly, seeking support from colleagues, friends, or mental health professionals is another key aspect of working smart. A strong support system can help you manage stress, maintain motivation, and gain perspective on challenges, ensuring that you don’t have to face them alone. Ultimately, the people who will truly appreciate your efforts and remember how hard you worked are your children and family, not your workplace.
You can find out more about Sarah Maamari and the team at Sage Clinics: here. For more information about the services Sage Clinics offers or to book an appointment please contact +971 4 575 5684, at appointments@sage-clinics.com or through the chat function in the bottom right corner of the website.
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