Occupational wellness is that work/life balance that is so very trendy to discuss but oh so elusive when trying to capture! At least, it can certainly seem that way. Achieving a balance between work and leisure that is healthy and actually financially rewarding is not easy. There are just too many things that throw the balance into flux. Here are some tips to help you achieve occupational wellness and signs that you’re on the right track too.

On the right track…

If you are engaged in interesting (to you) and motivating work, you’re probably have some level of occupational wellness. Here are some other signs that you’re on the right track:

• You understand how to balance you work and leisure time.
• Your work challenges you, and you go home at the end of your day with a sense of accomplishment.
• Your work schedule fits your personal lifestyle.
• You are able to collaborate and communicate with others in a meaningful way that is productive when necessary and totally freeing when it isn’t.
• You work independently and with others. (Even positions with a lot of autonomy need to be able to work with others and know when that skill is necessary.)

Falling off the track or still trying to find the track…

If you don’t feel that you have the level of occupational wellness that you should, there are some tips to improve. These are not necessarily easy steps to take or ones that have quick returns. However, incremental changes and diligence can help you reach your goal.

• Write down your goals and create a plan for reaching them. Use timelines and adjust when necessary. You can’t have a plan to complete your four-year degree in 2 years if you’ve never taken classes before. Be realistic about your goal and the time it will take to reach it. (Good rule of thumb: everything takes longer than you anticipate.)
• Become better at your job. Gain new skills and become more efficient with the skills you have.
• Create connections with your co-workers.

Be satisfied with the career or profession you choose. You don’t have to love everyday at work. You just have to feel it is consistent with your own values, interests, and beliefs. That will make you an occupational well individual.