Happy
Wellness Wednesday! This week's topic is work-life balance, something that truly resonates with me. There are many ways to define work-life balance, and for me personally it’s about finding the balance between my work and life. It sounds pretty simple, but I’m sure many would agree that is just isn’t that easy.
Before delving into the topic, I would like to include just a little more background info. I surfed the web for some more insight, and came across http://work-lifebalance.com/what-is-work-life-balance/ . Having to give credit where credit is due, I’d like to first explore the work-life balance concept, and share my personal experiences. According to bestselling author Jeff Davidson, “work-life balance is the ability to experience a sense of control and to stay productive and competitive at work while maintaining a happy, healthy home life with sufficient leisure,” Davidson’s website also goes on to include six components of a successful work-life balance. Those components include: self-management, time management, stress management, change management, technology management, and leisure management. (J.Davidson. What is Work-life Balance? http://work-lifebalance.com/what-is-work-life-balance/ Retrieved 5/28/2014).
My passion for wellness lies deeply in my desire to create and maintain a perfect work-life balance. It’s also one of the main reasons why I created this blog. As a self-proclaimed “Jill of all Trades”, I wear many hats throughout the day- wife, mother, health/fitness professional, sister, friends, personal trainer, lifestyle coach, daughter, runner, etc. Despite it all, I truly love my imperfectly perfect life. I didn’t always feel that way though. In fact, up until about four to five months ago, I was miserable and basking in my personal struggles to create the “perfect” work-life balance.
Oftentimes I’m asked by friends and family how I find the time to do it all, so here are my tips for balancing out my work-life!
1. Goal-getter!
I wouldn’t be me if I wasn’t always chasing and challenging myself to a goal. It’s something that was instilled in me when I was “yay” high and pretty much just stuck. I begin each New Year with planning my goals (not resolutions). My goals are divided between short and long term increments.
Blame my type-A personality, but goal setting truly makes a difference. Whether it’s a financial goal like saving up some extra cash for a family getaway or achieving a personal record in a race, I’m always after something. When goal setting for your work-life balance, make a list of everything you would like to accomplish for a year. Sharing them with both your loved ones and employers, and make regular check-ups.
2. If you plan to fail, you plan will fail.
We’ve all heard the saying before, and it truly applies to your work-life balance. I make it a point to schedule everything: downtime, date nights, my workouts, you name it. Keeping in mind that sometimes life happens, and you may have to improvise, adapt, and overcome, keeping a detailed schedule takes the guess-work out of everything and decreases your overall stress.
3. Time-out!
Too many people waste their time on activities or others that do not add value to their life. If someone or something doesn’t enhance your career or personal life, ease away. Just think of the headache you’ll save yourself if you spend less (or no time) small-talking with that colleague who you don’t like. Perhaps you would be more productive at your desk, and even have more energy for an evening walk with your family. Make the conscious effort to limit the time plugged into your electronic devices. After 7pm I take my “time-out”, and devote all my attention to my family. Plus it gives my brain a little break, from keeping up with every Tom, Dick & Harry on my social feeds.
4. Keep it Moving!
Oh of course I couldn’t forget this one! I hate the infamous “I don’t have time to exercise” line. Really? You make time for everything and everyone else, why not make time for yourself. The benefits of physical activity are endless, and they add so much value to your overall well-being. My husband can usually tell when I’ve skipped a run or two. It’s like I have a built-up aggression, and I’m taking it out on everyone. Even if I didn’t work in a gym, I need my daily exercise fix to maintain my sanity.
I’m better person after a great workout. My mind is cleared, I’m relaxed, and what’s that Pharell Williams song “because I’m happy!” If you’re serious about improving your work-life balance, you have to keep it moving. That doesn’t mean you have to spend an hour and half in the gym each night, but something is better than nothing. Get up from behind your desk, every hour or so for a quick stretch. Take a 10-15 minute walk on your lunch break. You’ll be surprised by how so little will make a big difference.
5. Prioritize.
Try making a honey-do-list for yourself. We do it all time at work, and even for our spouses, why not do it for ourselves. Can that load of laundry wait another day or two, so you can sit down and unwind with those that matter most? 10-15 years from now, your family won’t remember you new highlights you skipped-out another softball game for, because you saw a pic of Halle Berry on the cover of People magazine. They will remember you coming home each night with your “panties in a bunch” grumping about everything.
