Work life balance – the holy grail…
It’s a busy, noisy world out there and for many people who are juggling work, family and other commitments, it can feel quite the challenge to balance it all – never mind trying to find time for the fun stuff! So how do we navigate this age old conundrum?
Firstly, ask yourself what would a good balance look or feel like for you. Balance is different for everyone and there is no right or wrong. Remember that balance will change as life changes pace, depending on your circumstances, the time of year and various other factors, so it’s good to review things regularly. For example, as we head into the darker months we may find ourselves wanting to hibernate more.
We all have the same 24 hours in a day; how we use them is what makes the difference. We have to be realistic and recognise that although we can do many things, we can’t do everything, so this is why it’s vital to be clear on your priorities. Consider what’s important to you; spending time with your family, looking after or improving your health, developing your career or maybe exploring new hobbies.
In general, how balanced does your life feel now? Take a look at your diary or calendar and think back over the last week – what activities have you been spending your time and energy on? Do these activities include the priority areas you’ve just listed above? If not, what’s got in the way? Sometimes we don’t realise how long we are spending on different tasks or activities, for example social media can be a real time drain.
In my book RHYTHM Practical tools & ideas for finding balance, harmony and fun, I address 6 key areas of life: Relationships, Habits, Your purpose, Time, Health and Mindset. By considering each of these elements and doing activities that help you understand yourself better, it’s easier to create the balance you are looking for. Balance doesn’t come automatically; we have to be intentional about it.
5 Tips to get you started:
- Set yourself up to win. Identify what’s important to you and make these things your priority
- Create helpful habits that support your desired lifestyle. For example, turning your phone off at a set time each day or going for a walk after work.
- Use your time wisely. Ask yourself ‘is this a priority to me?’ or ‘Is this the best use of my time?’
- Schedule the important stuff first and then put other things around that. This includes self-care and leisure activities – when we feel good we are more able to tackle life’s challenges.
- Treat finding balance as a fun experiment. Review periodically and notice what works and tweak what doesn’t.
If you’d like more ideas and practical activities to help you find a better balance, you can order a copy of my book, RHYTHM, here: https://senseofdirection.life/shop/