Is a work/personal life balance possible?
Ahhh, the every-elusive work life/personal life balance. At least in my world, nurturing myself, my family and my career all at once is more like a curly slide at the park than a teeter-totter. Just when I've (wheee!) met a deadline or cleaned the counter tops or cooked a healthy, nutritious dinner, the ride turns and it's new projects, more dishes, and sitting at my laptop until the (not wheee! but...) wee hours.
It isn't bleak or depressing. It's just crazy. And often stressful. Are there ways we can get off the slide and settle into the nice rock of an evenly-balanced life in our homes, our cubicles, our families?
Of course, there are. We have to be ready to take that leap and we have to know that the stress we're under isn't serving us well.
First, acknowledge how work is creeping into your personal life. Do you turn off your cell phone when you get home? Does your boss have access to you 24-7? Do you have to work more than a standard work week to get ahead in your business? Do you and your spouse both have demanding jobs?
Second, take stock of how overtime impacts the rest of your life. Are you trying to make ends meet or save up for something special by putting in longer hours or working an extra job? Are you being compensated for your overtime or is it expected in your salary range? Are you missing out on family events and the support of your friends due to your work schedule? Do the hours you clock at work leave you exhausted?
Third, focus on bringing more harmony to these areas of your life, rather than centering on the stress. Think through some realistic strategies that will up the harmony and lower the level of craziness. Write down your daily activities so you have a handle on what you are actually doing and how long it is taking you. Do a little each day rather than a lot in one sitting (this could apply from everything from filing to laundry to working out). Revise your cleaning standards (my favorite tip), release your guilt, guard your day off and your time to sleep.
These and many more solid pieces of advice from the Mayo Clinic may help you unwind a bit in all areas of your life. Maybe with a few thought-out changes, you -- and I -- can make the move from the downward slide to the comfortable balance.
.jpg)
The Best Weight Loss Drink in the World
Being Fit Can Improve Your Orgasms? -- Yes, Yes, Yes!
Get a Better Butt in 20 Minutes
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-16-2007 @ 3:33AM
gsee said...
Limited working hours can give sufficient time to spend with others sections of life.
Here is the good dicussion
http://www.blogya.in/8hrs_job_without_stress
Reply