How Can I Achieve a Healthy Work-life Balance as a Freelancer?

I started freelancing in March of last year, thinking I’d have tons of free time. I was so wrong.

When I started freelancing, I quickly realized that my work was tightly correlated with my income.

Less work, less money; more work, more money – simple math.

At first, I stipulated a monthly revenue goal. But then the temptation to earn more reared its head. I started ditching my friends’ hangouts to stay in and work.

This last Sunday, I did something I’d never done before – I skipped my Sunday lunch with my grandma. That was my wake-up call.

It made me think hard. I’d spent the entire weekend working instead of enjoying quality time with my grandma and friends, all for some extra money.

I won’t lie, I really wanted to achieve my January goal, even if it meant isolating myself. But all that for a momentary spike of happiness, non-lasting.

It got me thinking …

How much I would rather have had lunch with my grandma. How much I would rather have gone for a walk at the beach with my friends instead of being glued to my computer.

What really mattered?

Both were important, but I needed to get better at managing my time. With a bit of planning, I could fit both work and personal life.

So, I quickly revamped my weekend plans. Next week, without a doubt, I’ll have lunch with my grandma and hang out with my friends. Done deal.

I’m taking charge of my time and implementing some strategies to achieve a work-life balance.

• Prioritize tasks

I’m keeping my goals the same, but I’ll be more strategic with my to-do list, prioritizing tasks based on their importance and urgency.

• Schedule downtime

Three weekends are dedicated to social events and one weekend is for unexpected emergencies or self-care breaks. I need time to recharge, socialize, and enjoy life outside work.

• Time blocking

I’m scheduling specific time slots for each task, like an hour dedicated to responding to emails.

• Eliminate distractions

I’m putting my phone in another room for those crucial periods of focus.

• Utilize productivity tools

I’m downloading a time-tracking app for freelancers.

Remember that time is precious, and it is important to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

,abreijos