Opening Statement:
Possibly in 2024, it will be the year for all of us to start off on the right foot by figuring out how to balance our lives between work and pleasure. As important as it is to earn a living and pay monthly bills,’ it is equally important to plan out days when you can breathe and have me-time as well as family time! Planning the perfect balance should make life less stressful and put a lasting smile on our faces. Get A Balanced Life Month is celebrated in January to cultivate a good habit at the start of the year and hopefully see it through till the end, and then start all over again in the following years to come.
History Of Get a Balanced Life Month
· Until the early 20th century, blue-collar workers had to work between 70 to 100 hours per week. During the Industrial Revolution in England, factory workers would work six days a week for 16 hours per day. There was no work-life balance during this time. Work was the main priority.
· In the 1920s, Henry Ford established the ‘nine to five’ workday and it quickly became mainstream. This systemic change occurred due to several years of pressure from North American labor organizations. However, this idea was not a completely new one. In 1817, Welsh manufacturer and labor activist, Robert Owen came up with the phrase “eight hours labor, eight hours recreation, eight hours rest.” The idea was to divide a workday into three equal parts.
· After establishing the ‘nine to five’ workday, Henry Ford realized that workers were more productive while working for a shorter duration of 40 hours per week than the initial 70 to 100 hours. Due to this success, the 40-hour working week became a part of U.S. labor laws in 1940. On October 24, 1940, because of years of worker movements, the U.S. government amended the Fair Labor Standards Act and introduced the 40-hour workweek. This working standard was adopted by various other manufacturing companies around the world. This law allowed workers to have more time to spend with their family and friends.
Get A Balanced Life Month Timeline
· 1817 - Robert Owens Introduces Work-Life Balance
Welsh manufacturer and labor activist, Robert Owen coins the phrase “eight hours labor, eight hours recreation, eight hours rest” to divide the workday into three equal parts.
· 20th Century - The Lack of Work-Life Balance
During the Industrial Revolution, factory workers normally had to work for 70 to 100 hours a week.
· 1920s - Ford Establishes The ‘Nine to Five’ Workday
Inspired by Robert Owen, Henry Ford establishes the ‘nine to five’ workdays in his factories.
· 1940 - The 40-Hour Workweek Is Normalized
The U.S. government amends the Fair Labor Standards Act and introduces the 40-hour workweek after seeing an increase in workers’ productivity.
How To Celebrate Get a Balanced Life Month
· Indulge In Some Me-Time
If you have been waiting for the perfect month to take some time off, then your time is now! Go on a holiday, eat delicious food, and treat yourself.
· Use A Planner
There is nothing like a personal planner to help plan a balanced life. You can either buy one or use your online calendar/planner, either way start one, buy one, and get planning!
· Spread The Message
Inform others about Get a Balanced Life Month on social media or through your friend groups. Be an inspiration for some much-needed change.
5 Facts About Work-Life Balance
1. A Poor Work-Life Balance
94% of workers in the American service industry work over 50 hours a week.
2. The Work Never Stops
Many Americans work extra hours at the office and even take their work home and work on the weekend.
3. Many Americans Think They Are Workaholics
48% of American professionals believe themselves to be workaholics and barely take time off to relax.
4. Potential EMPLOYEES STRIVE FOR A HEALTHY BALANCE
While looking for a job, 72% of people consider their work/life balance.
5. Many Working Americans Experience Burnouts
According to a survey, 77% of Americans with full-time jobs reported experiencing burnout at least once due to stress from work.
Closing Statement:
We can only live once and since all should know that all work and no time to rest is not the best way to live, or enjoy life. Everyone needs to try their best to find the right balance between both because our time is precious and short, not only for ourselves, but for the people we love, and love us. Balancing our time helps us to plan and make time for important things, and fun activities. It is necessary to have our priorities set out. It is good for our mental wellbeing and the people around us. Having a work-life balance can do wonders for our mental health. We need to avoid burnouts and sustain a healthy lifestyle. The best way to maintain balance in life is to plan your time. Create a work schedule that allows you to rest, have fun, and stick to it. A balanced lifestyle goes a long way when it comes to sustaining a healthy lifestyle. It helps us give our best both at work and off work. Your job will be there when you get back, so don’t worry about taking time off. Having a balanced life means finding time for things you want to do and not overlooking the things you need to do. Find a balance between your responsibilities and things that please you and this should make us all happy!
Source of Information: Various Google Searches and Mental Health Publications
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!
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