Achieving Work-Life Balance
Posted in Work Life & Balance
Many people work so hard that they do not have enough time for themselves and for their families. As a result, a lot of workaholics suffer from stress and develop problems about their relationships with family or friends. Here are some tips toward a better work-life balance.
Drop unnecessary activities
Make a list of what matters to you. Discovering that you are devoting excessive amount of time to activities that are not really a priority, enables you to adjust your schedule accordingly. For example, cutting back on TV may give you more time taking care of your child or doing household chores or catching up with friends. If possible, drop any pursuits and commitments that do not make your top 5 list. Unnecessary activities prevent you from doing the things that really matter.
Merge "family time" and "work time"
One way to balance career and family is to merge "family time" and "work time". For example, if you have a short travel to work, you can drive your children to school every morning and chat about what they plan to do in school. If having them take the bus is more convenient, you could have your cup of coffee at the stop with them. This will give you more time to spend with your kids.
Relax and have fun
Live a well-balance life by relaxing and having fun. Make time for weekly window shopping, guitar lessons, a date night with your partner, a yoga class, a night out with pals a couple times every month, or weekend trips with your kids. According to Lachlan Brown, Tech for People president, "If you believe that the most important thing is to be happy in life then you can always make time."
Give yourself a "me" time
Make time for yourself. Make an appointment with yourself. You should honor this commitment as you would any other. Often, you think twice before skipping out on your work, a doctor's appointment, or a parent-teacher meeting. Your "me" time deserves the same respect.
Take a couple or more hours to window shop at your favorite stores with your friends or by yourself, have dinner with a couple of friends, or do any activity that will make you let loose. You can have your "me" time once a week. Setting yourself free of worries once in a while and enjoying the time spent will shoo stress away.
Accept help to balance your life
Accept help from your partner, family, or friends to balance your life. Form a tag team. For example, you work out before dinner and your partner watches your kids. Or accept babysitting offers from family and friends.
