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Running a franchise is very demanding. Sometimes it seems like you’re working 24/7 to make sure your business is successful and everything keeps running smoothly. Thanks to mobile technology, we are within reach of our businesses colleagues all the time no matter where we are. This of course has many advantages, but it also makes it difficult to manage a balance between work life and home life.
The Canadian Mental Health Association says that 58 per cent of Canadians feel like they are overloaded with work. If you’re a franchisee you will likely find yourself among that group at some point unless you take some steps to de-stress, and set aside time for family, friends, and your own personal well being.
Here are some things to keep in mind when managing your franchising responsibilities and a healthy home life.
Make The Time
With so many devices vying for our attention these days, it feels as though there is no escape from the duties of work. This is why you need to make a real effort to set aside time when you will not trouble yourself with anything to do with your franchise. For example, you might tell your employees not to contact you after 8 p.m. unless there’s an emergency because that’s when you are with your family and you don’t want to be bothered. You need to be firm about keeping work away from home, or else the two things will start to bleed into each other and burn out will be the result.
Unplug Yourself
Sometimes it can be impossible to clear your entire email inbox in a given day. You might be constantly checking your phone every time you hear it beep to see what came in because it could be important. Set two or three specific times of day when you check email and do not go near it anywhere outside those times. The world will continue just fine if you shut your phone off and don’t read your emails for an evening.
Set Time For Exercise and Leisure
Just like how you need to designate time for family and friends, you need to set aside time to look after your own physical and mental health as well. This could mean taking a 15 minute walk after work, joining a sports team in your community, or planning a getaway with your spouse. Exercise is a proven method for handling stress, and getting away from it all can be a welcome way to escape the pressures of work and find true relaxation. Afterward, you’ll be able to return to your business with renewed focus and enthusiasm.
Outsource Your Errands
After work there are still things to be done around the house. Someone has to wash the dishes, and buy the groceries for dinner, and cut the grass outside. Try to delegate some of these tasks to other family members, or hire someone to do them for you. This can take a load of your mind and provide you with more time for the other things we mentioned above.
Managing your work-life balance is all about setting boundaries and rules. If you follow these suggestions, you’ll be able to tackle your responsibilities as a franchisee with more focus and avoid long term burn out.
