A Good Life Outside of Work Is an Overlooked Productivity Secret

Blurred lines, blurred visions, and lightning speed — the difference between personal and professional lives have ceased to exist in this fast world. This may be great for the economy, but not for humanity. But does it have to be one thing or the other?

The purpose of work has changed over time. With recent world developments, one of the major purposes of work is to serve the life people want to live outside of their ‘job.’ The opportunities for fulfillment beyond work are almost limitless now, and work-life balance is the best way to achieve liberation.

Living a personally fulfilling life motivates people to work for that life, which leads to greater productivity at work. Eventually, this leads to a more fulfilling life, and the cycle just keeps going. Investing in a good life outside work is a productivity secret that will set you up for good.

Why a balanced life?

The importance of working on something you enjoy and quality personal time can’t be underestimated. According to a 2023 study, increasing work-life balance by one point improved the likelihood of perceiving one’s health as superior to others by 77%.

Investing in hobbies, relationships, and anything that makes life more enjoyable is a good way to motivate your professional self to work more productively.

And while all of this is good, here are other, even better benefits:

Invigorated energy

A 2012 study on the effect of off-job activities at work showed that participating in enjoyable things outside work has positive benefits. It can boost the next morning’s energy levels, encouraging high productivity and focus throughout the workday. It also keeps people’s energy levels high. The study shows how fulfilling activities during personal time can improve work performance.

Over the years, many observations have reinforced this finding. These studies collectively demonstrate that pursuing interests and leisure activities is not merely optional but essential for sustaining overall efficiency.

Thus, balancing work with enjoyable off-job activities is crucial for enhancing work performance.

Increased creativity

A 2014 study examining the link between holidaying and creativity at work found that traveling for pleasure positively affected creativity.

The study highlighted that taking time off to travel reduces stress, provides exposure to diverse experiences, and elevates overall mood. These factors contributed to a boost in creative thinking, as evidenced by the more flexible, diverse, and innovative ideas people generate once they return to work.

The findings suggest that vacation benefits go beyond relaxation. By rejuvenating the mind and body, individuals enhance their creativity and problem-solving skills when returning to their professional roles.

Improved relationships

Strong personal relationships at work increase productivity by improving collective well-being, team performance, and objective work-group performance. These enhanced interpersonal dynamics create a supportive atmosphere that boosts morale and encourages collaborative efforts, ultimately driving higher productivity.

Better relationships also improve productivity in other, more indirect ways. They improve health, reduce absenteeism, and increase creativity.

Plus, having better relationships is also great for the individual. Strong interpersonal bonds provide better emotional support, reducing stress and even increasing motivation.

By creating a well-rounded support system, individuals are better equipped to manage stress and stay motivated, resulting in higher levels of productivity both at work and in their personal lives.

That sounds pretty good, right? You’ll be the best professional ever, happier and more full of life. Yes, that’s possible, and you can use this knowledge to have a good quality of life outside of work, as in, right now.

How to create a good life outside of work

Right now does mean right now because all this effort depends on your action. If you want to start now, take foolproof actions based on science. Here are some of them:

Prioritize self-care

Self-care enhances job satisfaction, making you more engaged and effective.

Taking the time to care for yourself builds a solid foundation for long-term physical and mental health. This emphasis on self-care makes you feel more balanced, decreases stress, and minimizes burnout, all of which are important elements in being content and fulfilled in your career.

To start prioritizing self-care outside of work, consider these tips:

Stay in bed if needed. For starters, consider staying in bed to rest when needed, like when you are sick or have the day off. This can give you additional time to relax without feeling pressured to start the day. But don’t overdo it; 5 – 8 hours in bed is ideal.
Enjoy an efficient life. Try to find enjoyable activities that serve multiple purposes. For example, taking a walk is healthy and exposes you to nature. It is also good for mental health and can be a decent mind-clearing activity. Just make sure to choose an activity that you genuinely enjoy.
Find time to connect. Spend time on supportive relationships. Make an effort to connect with people who uplift and support you. This can help you feel more connected and less stressed. It’s important to focus on quality over quantity in these relationships.
No skipping basic care. And the most basic of all, of course, is to incorporate basic self-care into your daily routine. For example, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, doing skincare, maintaining a clean and organized space, and taking care of your mental health. These small actions can have a big impact on your overall well-being.

Engage in hobbies

Hobbies relieve stress and create joy by giving a creative and gratifying outlet. This allows you to focus on fun activities, diverting your attention away from daily stresses and instilling a sense of accomplishment and relaxation.

Here are some tips on how to realistically enjoy your hobbies:

Start small. Making hobbies part of daily life can be challenging when your schedule is already packed. Start small by integrating your hobby into your routine in small ways. This gradual approach makes it easier to adapt and stick with it.
Make time slowly. First, include your hobby as a regular part of your routine. Explore a consistent time each day or week to engage in it, which helps to make it a natural part of your schedule.
Block and lock it. Once you’ve made your hobby part of your routine, see if you can set aside specific time for it. Blocking out dedicated time helps to ensure that you prioritize it, making it an essential part of your day.
Add gentle reminders. Use reminders when needed to help you remember to engage in your hobby, but don’t force yourself to abide by them if they don’t fit your time. Be disciplined but flexible.
Keep it easy. Use reminders to help you remember to engage in your hobby, but don’t force yourself. Keeping it low pressure ensures that your hobby remains enjoyable and is something to look forward to.

Set boundaries

Setting boundaries between work and life off the job improves productivity by minimizing burnout and keeping you focused and energized during the workday.

First, understand that it is not always possible to separate work and personal life. It is your life, after all, and they can inevitably overlap. What you can do is minimize this overlap.

You can do this by following these tips:

Define boundaries. Figure out what boundaries look like to you. Decide what limits you want to set for your work and personal life. Knowing your boundaries is the first step to maintaining them effectively.
Work first, always. When on the job, try to get to the work directly. This creates an expectation of focusing on work during work hours, helping you to be more productive and set clear boundaries between work and personal time.
Limit availability. Being reachable is good, but being too available is not. Set clear limits on when you can be approached for business. This helps others understand when you are available and protects your personal time.
Respect your rest. Don’t work during your rest time. If you have been a responsible professional, you should not need to work during your downtime. However, if you haven’t managed your time well, try to avoid working during your rest periods unless there’s a pressing reason.
Separate downtime. Follow a set schedule to keep work and rest separate. If your schedule indicates it’s not time to work, don’t. This helps you maintain a healthy work-life balance and get the rest you need.

Having said all of this, don’t obsess over the idea of this balance. Life happens all the time, and sometimes, changes need to be made.

So, having a black-and-white mindset is also not going to help. Adjust as needed to ensure that your personal life is fulfilling to you and only you. Always remember: this balance is different for everyone.

In conclusion

In a world where work often spills into every aspect of life, the key to true productivity is reclaiming your time.

Living a satisfying life outside the office not only replenishes your energy but also generates creativity and improves relationships, all of which can elevate your professional game. It’s time to break the burnout cycle by pursuing interests, prioritizing self-care, and setting clear boundaries.

Start investing in the life you will love today, and watch your productivity soar like never before.

If you would like to see more resources on personal life management, check out the Personal Science Labs. The lab uses the research of the Institute for Life Management Science to produce courses, certifications, podcasts, videos, and other tools. Visit Personal Science Labs today.

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Harshita Poddar