Finding a Work-Life Balance as a Remote Grant Writer

Have you found a good work-life balance? The average American spends roughly an hour a day commuting to and from work. As a remote grant writer, time management, communication tools, mindful scheduling, and focus techniques are critical to your success. Creating a sustainable work-life balance requires planning and dedication. However, it is in your best interest and the best interest of your grant-seeking clients for you to be on your “A-Game” at all times. GrantWriterTeam encourages remote workers to utilize that “bonus” time to schedule, cultivate, and maintain habits that support a healthy work-life balance.

Why Work-Life Balance Matters

Research shows that when our youth limit screen time they have improved mental health and development. So, why are we not cultivating this healthy balance for ourselves as adults? Furthermore, a healthy work-life balance reduces stress, increases productivity, and improves mental health. Above all, implementing boundaries and discipline will provide that end-of-the-day feeling of a job well done. Maintaining a work-life balance allows remote grant writers to be productive and ready to enjoy their lives outside of grant writing so they return to work fresh and ready to provide award-winning grant writing services for causes they believe in.

More than one in four Americans describe themselves as “super stressed.” And that’s not balanced—or healthy. In our rush to “get it all done” at the office and at home, it’s easy to forget that as our stress levels spike, our productivity plummets. Stress can zap our concentration, make us irritable or depressed, and harm our personal and professional relationships. Over time, stress also weakens our immune systems, and makes us susceptible to a variety of ailments from colds to backaches to heart disease. The newest research shows that chronic stress can actually double our risk of having a heart attack…While we all need a certain amount of stress to spur us on and help us perform at our best, the key to managing stress lies in that one magic word: balance. Not only is achieving a healthy work/life balance an attainable goal but workers and businesses alike see the rewards. Mental Health America

How to Improve Work-Life Balance

As a remote grant writer, you save an average of 5 hours each week, by skipping your commute. It is recommended to allocate this time to encouraging behavior that builds a healthy work-life balance for yourself as a remote grant writer.  Above all, creating a comfortable workspace is key to work-life balance. For example, have a separate workspace, even if your desk is in the corner of your living space. This helps your brain to “leave work at work”. In truth, a work-life balance looks different for everyone. However, below are a few tips that will help any work-from-home grant writer improve their work-life balance. What will you do during this time to support your work-life balance?

  1. Designated Workspace – While you may not have a spare room for an office, you can still make a separation that works for you. Keep your workspace clean and above all make it comfortable. Invest in your work-life balance. For example, do not be shy about buying a great chair or a standing desk.
  2. Maintain A Schedule – Grant writing is very deadline-driven. However, with time management you can meet your deadlines while still maintaining a work-life balance. Prioritize, plan, and stick to your schedule.
  3. Cultivate A Sustainable Routine – Utilizing the perks of a work-from-home lifestyle goes beyond sleeping in. Perpetually improve your life by carving out time for stretching, eating well, taking walks on breaks, and running errands before work. These are all examples of activities that cultivate a healthy and productive work-from-home environment.
  4. Schedule Time For Self-Care – Maintaining a sustainable self-care routine and time for hobbies that pull you away from screens is yet another way to ensure you are optimizing your work-life balance.
  5. Digital Detox – Research shows that scheduling time for digital detox improves your mental health, creates time for other hobbies, and provides space for quality time with friends and loved ones.

Work-Life Balance In Conclusion

Research shows that those with a healthy work-life balance perform better and live a more fulfilled life than those who do not.  Grants are often very daunting for those new to grants. As a seasoned grant writer your clients look to you for guidance and assurance. Maintaining a work-life balance is just one way to ensure that you are healthy enough to effectively the helping hand that grant writers are led to provide.

About GrantWriterTeam

Are you a nonprofit or small business in need of some help? If you are searching for grants but are feeling overwhelmed, hiring a grant writer may be the perfect choice for you! Grant writers thoughtfully grant opportunities and consider the pros and cons of applying and the chance of success. Consider your writer an extension of your organization. Your grant-seeking success is our priority at GrantWriterTeam.