Sales representatives often have a hard time finding a healthy balance between their work and personal lives.

This can be detrimental to both their health and performance at work, as well as their relationships with family and friends.

Sales representatives are often pulled in many different directions by the demands of their job, which is why it can be difficult for them to find time for themselves. They must learn how to manage this balancing act correctly, or else they will end up burning out very quickly.

If you are a sales representative experiencing this problem, here are some of the best tips that will help you get the right work-life balance.

1. Create a schedule

What would you say is the most difficult aspect of being a sales representative? The hours, quotas, or tight deadlines?

How about all of them combined? 

When we think about sales, it can be hard to maintain a work-life balance. It seems that as soon as one part gets under control, another falls out of whack.

The key to work-life balance is not in spending less time at work, but in finding ways to make the most out of your time by creating a schedule. Take it week by week, as sometimes even the most diligent planner can’t predict what they’re doing a month from now. 

Using cutting-edge sales tools to help track and manage your workload can result in better time management and performance at work. Leveraging technology, such as digital calendars and appointment setting tools are designed to optimize your daily schedule and coordinate your personal life and your working schedule. Also, a little flexibility in developing an employee schedule goes a long way in making the whole sales team feel happy and valued - which positively impacts your performance at work as well.

Google Calendar and Outlook Calendar are industry favorites, while Calendly allows prospects to schedule meetings for time slots that work best for them. Sharing your calendar with loved ones can also allow them to coordinate their appointments and meetings at the same time as yours so that you can maximize your free time together. 

Sales is all about mastering time management so you can meet more clients and close more deals, faster. Consider using tools that will help you improve productivity by allowing you to focus on selling instead of spending time on all the busy work that comes with sales.

Badger Maps is a great example of such a tool - the app helps field salespeople by optimizing their daily routes and streamlining every aspect of their jobs. Field salespeople who use Badger Maps end up closing 20% more deals while driving 20% less.

Creating a schedule for the week ahead will allow you to plan your day accordingly and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

2. Take time off when you need it

Make sure to take time off when you need it - don't feel guilty about taking the day off if you're too tired or stressed. It's better to put in a day of rest than it is to go to work and build on existing stress. It will only make the problem worse and could lead to making mistakes that can cost you deals.

This doesn't mean that your days off have to be just for sleep or relaxation. Take some time out of each week (or month) for something else you enjoy doing so that your overall happiness can remain high throughout the year.

Whether that means going on vacation, spending some time with family, or simply sitting down for dinner without checking work email, take care of yourself and don't feel guilty about it. 

This can result in more productivity in the long run.

If taking time off is impossible, consider saving time where ever you can. Try using video conferencing software to cut down on traveling time on some of your working days. Even spending 30 minutes a day exercising or doing something that brings you joy can have a larger impact on your happiness and well-being than you might think. Try going for a walk on your lunch break, practicing meditation, painting for fun, or picking up a book. 

Remember, the occasional day off is better than a constantly stressed worker.

3. Keep track of your accomplishments and successes throughout the day 

You're probably thinking, How can I possibly keep track of that? 

Well, it's quite simple. 

Keep a small notebook with you and write down your accomplishments throughout the day. This will help you keep track of all of those little things that are often overlooked and also ensure that you meet your KPIs.

We all know how easy it is to feel like we've done nothing at work when we get off for the day. But by keeping this log, you'll be able to look back over your days and see all of the great things that have been accomplished.

It may seem silly now but trust us--this one trick alone will make a big difference in how much more fulfilled and motivated you feel after each workday.

This also serves as a great team-building exercise to do with colleagues - if you all keep track of your accomplishments during the day and share them.

4. Don't let work stress spill over into other aspects of your life

Make sure to keep separate areas of your life apart from one another to lessen the amount of stress that you experience regularly.

By limiting how much work impacts your personal life, you'll be able to have more focus in one area while still being successful in others.

Be proactive with your work responsibilities by keeping track of deadlines and tasks in advance so they don't pile up at the last minute when things get busy or stressful. 

Some ways to do this are by having a clear endpoint for your workday by setting up specific hours in advance and sticking to this schedule as closely as possible. Also, avoid working through break periods, unless you’re going to lunch with a client or manager. Using that time to unwind, even for 5 minutes can help give you a jumpstart on the next tasks you have ahead.

Everyone is allowed to have a bad day at work every once in a while, but make sure that when you leave your office you leave your bad day there behind with it.

Work is important but it should never take over your whole life.

5. Set boundaries - and stick to them

One of the best ways to maintain this balance is by setting boundaries with clients and sticking to them. 

This means that you set a schedule for yourself and effectively communicate with your clients what certain days and or times you will be available at.

Make sure that your voicemail message clearly states when you are unavailable so as not to mislead potential customers into thinking they can get in contact with you at an inappropriate time. 

For example, if I am unavailable Monday through Friday from 9:00 am-5:00 pm EST because I am at work (or school), then my voicemail should say: I am unavailable Monday through Friday from nine to five EST.

Simple, clear, and to the point. This might sound simple but many sales representatives are not able to do it and end up working when they shouldn’t be.

Another option is to add your schedule to your email signature. Oftentimes clients prefer written communication and this can be particularly helpful for people working part-time as they don’t have traditional 9-5 working schedules. 

Also, consider using a chatbot that can answer the most commonly asked questions when you are not available.

 This will make it easier to relax when you’re not working.

Conclusion

Maintaining a work-life balance as a sales representative can be difficult. This is because of the demanding nature of the job, which includes traveling to different locations. 

It's important to keep your mind sharp and stay on top of trends to maximize success in this profession. If you do not take care of yourself, you will find it difficult to keep up with the demands of your profession. That's why it is important to set your working hours in advance, make a schedule, and stick to it as closely as possible. 

Sales representatives who don't maintain healthy habits are more likely to be stressed out, which may lead them to neglect their responsibilities at home or on the job.  

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to establishing the right work-life balance in your own life and find success in every aspect of your life.

Author Bio: Neal Taparia is the co-founder of Imagine Easy Solutions, a portfolio of online educational services that reach over 30 million students yearly. Neal sold the business to Chegg (NYSE: CHGG), where he stayed there as an executive for three years. He's now pursuing a new initiative, Solitaired, which ties classical games with memory and attention training.