Work + Life Balance
What is it?
A mystical ability to be able to balance work responsibilities and life duties in a perfectly seamless way so that you can live happy, healthy, and well.
Taking some time to hike in the Superstition Wilderness
Walking along the trail in the Superstition Wilderness
How do we realistically work on these skills?
Be sensible about the fact that forging any balance is an ongoing process. Some days it might be more work than play - but with that knowledge you plan a time ahead, in the upcoming week, for play. Same goes for life duties - it might be cleaning the house, laundry, etc. - then you schedule work in the next day. Check out tip #1 from this Business Insider article for a great explanation on the topic.
Take 15 minutes to assess your priorities. What needs to be done today? What needs to be done by the end of the week? What long term goal am I working on that is a big focus item? For instance, after graduating in December, I was struggling balancing starting a new business, studying for my credentialing exam, working full-time, and taking on a seminar. I paused, assessed what was most important to me (work, seminar, studying), and came to terms with pausing on growing a new business. This was my choice - make the one that is right for you!
Set and keep to boundaries. Learning what boundaries you possess will take a moment of self-reflection and awareness. Everyone does not share the same boundary around their work/life balance. A friend of mine can work long days, multiple days in a row, with no breaks or time for play. A family member likes to take mini breaks throughout their day, and plan a social event once a week for themselves. Part of creating balance is testing your limits and understanding how much work feels like you are being productive, how much leads to exhaustion, and how much play to add into it to enjoy the life you’re living.
Make time for the things YOU love to do. A walk in the park? Meeting up with a friend for a drink? They don’t have to be long affairs. A quick jog around the neighborhood can be enough to clear your head and get you more productive at your next task.
Remember, reprioritizing and changing course is going to happen as life shifts around us. It’s an evolving decision that can be made daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc. Always know that it perfectly fine to change course if you reassess your priorities, ask for help if you have found that you took on too much, AND to say no if it doesn’t align with your priorities right now. This is your life - make it your best one yet!
Let me know in the comments below if this was helpful AND what you do to maintain balance in your life.