Work/Life Balance
A change of seasons often brings about feelings of being “off-balance”. People talk about not having enough time to get everything done, especially things like social time, exercise, making healthy meals, or other forms of self-care. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with life!
Back in “the good old days” how did people regularly find time to sit on the porch, drinking ice tea while watching kids chase fireflies, make all their meals from scratch, read the newspaper cover to cover, go for evening walks or spend time socializing with friends and family?
Where does the time go now? According to a recent study, 21% of Americans use their working hours browsing entertainment, news, and social media, checking email and texts every 6 minutes, and nearly 40% of people continue to use their devices after 10 PM. There is real concern that a majority of Americans are unhealthy, overweight, overworked & stressed out. It is considered a norm to over-schedule and to constantly be running to something. Even young people struggle with life balance – filling their days with 7 hours of school, then after school activities & homework - it leaves limited time for friends, family, sit-down meals, or simply time to explore their internal selves.
Finding balance is an ongoing task. There is so much to balance in our lives—work, school, family, friends, leisure, relaxation, caring for others & yourself, social/political/environmental mindfulness, time for spirituality, appreciation of natural surroundings, health needs, etc. Most of us are attempting to find balance all of the time. Balance is not an indulgence. In fact, it will help you be better at what you do. It’s an ongoing process.
STEPS TO FINDING BALANCE
Notice the areas of your life that you’re neglecting
Define what is important. At any given time, what is your priority (an email, a shower, a meal, a work deadline, talking to a friend)? Regularly re-examine your priorities.
Rank your priorities…
Urgent and important
Important but not urgent
Urgent but not important
Neither urgent nor important
Set boundaries. Learn to say no (this denotes that you value your needs). Don’t try to be all things to all people. Have the courage to make difficult decisions.
Set long & short term goals. Be specific. Take it slowly and make them manageable. What can you realistically expect of yourself?
Enlist another person to join you in finding balance. Share the support, encouragement, and celebrations in your pursuits for balance.
Reflect & adjust as needed. Accomplishments and failures are part of balance. Be kind to yourself.