Have you ever wondered how to balance work and life when you’re dating?It can be incredibly challenging. Especially today when our working hours are longer than ever before, and we find ourselves under a lot of pressure.
Many of us go to work so we can pay the bills, but for many of us it’s about so much more than that. Our job or business is something we’re passionate about and devoted to. It’s a way for us to learn and grow, and fulfill our ambitions. It helps us feel fulfilled, and like we have a purpose.
Not to mention, we spend most of our time at work. So it’s easy for it to become all-consuming. And the rapid advances in technology mean that many of us now take our work home with us. But the reality is, there is a lot more to life than work. So, how do you begin to find a healthy balance in all areas of your life, particularly when it comes to dating?
Here’s how to balance work and life when dating
1. Block out time for work, and time for dating
You know the way you block out a meeting or an important deadline at work in your calendar? Start blocking out time when you are off duty. That means no checking emails, answering phone calls, or even thinking about work.
As someone who runs their own business, I understand how hard that is to do! But trust me when I say you need some downtime. And if you don’t schedule it, then it often won’t happen. Because it’s so tempting to just carry on working for 20 more minutes, or answering one more email.
So schedule some downtime, or schedule some dates in these hours. Create the space you need so you can tend to other areas of your life. That is how to balance work and life when dating.
2. Stop saying “I’m busy”
Somehow, we’ve ended up as a society that wears the word “busy” like a badge of honor. We see a packed calendar and ridiculous working hours as a sign of success. We love nothing more than to tell people how busy we are at work. Because if someone tells you they’re not busy, you subconsciously think they can’t be doing anything of value.
But Why do we do this? We’re human beings, and we have a limit to our productiveness each day. There’s only so much valuable work you’re going to be able to get done before your brain has had enough and needs to switch off for a while.
So, think about the times when you’re “working”, but not really getting anything useful done. You’re better off calling it a day, and having a break instead of trying to power through.
3. Create more time
Think about all the ways your time gets used up each week. Cleaning your house, driving to work, cooking, or going to the gym.
Are you able to invest in outsourcing some of these tasks? Maybe you could get a meal kit delivered to you for a couple of dinners each week. Or you could hire a cleaner to clean your house once a week. Maybe you could hire a personal trainer, and they could meet you at your house to work out before work in the mornings. Perhaps you could get the train to work instead of driving, and get some work done while you’re on the way?
Think about where you can create space in your day, which will create more time for dating.
4. Make the most of lunch and coffee dates
Here’s how to balance work and life when dating—don’t limit yourself to dating in the evening. Make the most of lunch dates and coffee dates.
These are less formal and conveniently fit into a working day. Plus, most of us have more energy at this time, rather than towards the end of the day. Then you’re free to head straight home or to the gym after work, when you feel too tired to socialize.
5. Don’t forget to make time for your friends & family too
Balancing work and life isn’t just about making room for dating. You’ve got to make room for your existing friends and family too. We all need time like this to kick back and unwind with people we love.
Plus, going out with your friends will remind you how great your life already is, and help you appreciate it more. Although you might want a romantic relationship, you’ll realize you don’t need it in order to be happy, because you already are!
6. Make your love life a priority
When something is important to you, you’ll create time for it. You only have to look at your track record to see that. So if dating is important to you, then you need to start acting like it’s important to you.
Make time to meet people in real life, and online, and generate real conversations. Make time to meet up with people you’re interested in getting to know more.
The reason why so many people who thrive at work struggle to thrive in their relationships, is because they’re not giving them the same attention. So make your life outside of work a priority, and see what happens!
