With the pandemic still afoot, many people are still finding themselves primarily working from home, many of us at Best Brains of Algonquin included. Working and living in the same space can be an enormous challenge, especially when it isn’t only you. When there’s a Math class in one room, English in another, work meetings in the other, and video games down the hall, it can be incredibly challenging to focus on the tasks in front of you. This goes the other way too -- it’s difficult to find time to settle down without sneaking a glance at the computer to check your email after you promised to be done for the day. Here are some tips to help create a stronger work-life balance along with ways to keep your work and leisure time separate.

1. Create a space specifically for work.

Though we may not think it, sleeping, working, and playing all in the same place confuses your brain. However, this may be unavoidable sometimes. It can be a different room, a different chair, whatever it may be, it helps your brain to have a different environment for each activity. This prevents your brain from being in work mode while you’re laying in bed trying to sleep or your mind wanting to wander while you’re trying to complete important tasks. So as difficult as it may be, it’s best to roll out of bed, throw on some clothes (even sweats -- just not the pajamas you slept in!), and go sit at a space that is dedicated to work and only work.

2. Keep everything in one calendar.

This may seem counterintuitive, but being able to see all of your commitments, tasks, etc. that encompasses your personal life as well as your work life can help to make sure that you don’t overbook yourself, in turn forcing you to maintain a balance.

3. Schedule leisure time.

This is especially beneficial if you find yourself being one of those computer-peekers after hours. Even if it’s just dedicating every Friday to your designated family movie night, planning those leisure activities and sticking to them the way you stick to work obligations will help to give each of them the same importance in your mind.

4. Know your limits.

It’s easy to continually tell your boss that everything they request is doable, but it is important to know what your breaking point is. If saying yes to a certain task means losing the family time that you had scheduled, maybe it’s best to say no. You don’t want to continually procrastinate your leisure time because that could lead to the dreaded *snap*, which is often caused by pushing your limits.

Incorporating these little things into your life to maintain a strong work-life balance can help to increase your productivity, health, well-being, and you might even enjoy work a little bit more! What is there to lose? Mental health is more important than ever right now, and it’s always the perfect time to take a step back and evaluate whether or not you are truly doing everything you can to keep your mental health at its best. There’s no doubt that a strong work-life balance can play a very significant role in this -- so give it a try!