In today’s world, achieving balance in life is an ongoing challenge. It can feel as if we are constantly juggling work, relationships, health, self-care, and other priorities. Creating and maintaining balance requires an intentional, conscious, and ongoing effort.
Finding Balance Between Work and Life
There's no shortage of articles, resources, and tips on how to achieve balance. The resources alone can be overwhelming! It can be hard to know where to begin, especially if you are in a situation where making a major life change may not be feasible or realistic.
10 Strategies to Achieve Balance Between Work and Life
If a job or career change is not in the cards strategies and habits you can incorporate in your life to bring you closer to finding balance in the upcoming year.
1. Self-Reflect- Assess your priorities and determine if your current activities and lifestyle align with your long-term goals.
2. Establish a Routine-Create structure with a daily schedule that includes time for work, relaxation, and personal interests. In addition, allotting time for priorities, routines, and predictability helps us feel grounded.
3. Incorporate Self-Care into an After-Work Transition Ritual- Be sure you have an activity that marks the end of the workday. Transition rituals are the activities that make it clear to our brains that your workday has ended, and you are free to focus on other things. If you work outside the home, this would be your commute. Commuting can be stressful and fraught with things beyond your control. Building an enjoyable activity into your after-work commute, like reading, meditation, audiobooks, podcasts, or phone calls to catch up with close friends reduces the stress of a commute and transitions your brain away from focusing on work. If you work at home, it is important to establish a consistent activity that involves walking away from your workspace and doing something relaxing for a few minutes. Stretch, take a walk, read, meditate, etc. – just don’t jump right into your next responsibility.
4. Practice Gratitude-Practicing gratitude helps us to cope with stress and boosts our mood. Incorporate a habit of identifying at least three things for which you are grateful daily and challenge yourself to keep expanding the list.
5. Nurture Relationships- Prioritize time with friends and loved ones as much as work. Schedule this into your calendar if there is a risk of it falling through the cracks.
6. Learn to Compromise- Compromise is important with others and with yourself. Recognize when harmony in a relationship outweighs individual needs. Know when good enough is good enough.
7. Delegate and Ask for Help- Share responsibilities when you feel overwhelmed and trust that others can do a good job. Let go of the idea that doing everything on your own is a symbol of strength and start embracing the strength and courage you will demonstrate by setting boundaries and asking for help.
8. Prioritize Sleep-Adequate sleep is crucial to your physical health and well-being. Make a point to protect your sleep and try to stick to a regular sleep and wake cycle.
9. Learn Time Management Skills- Time management skills aren’t innate to most of us. There is a reason that people make a living as time management experts. Research time management skills and/or invest in a time management book or training course to learn how to simplify, streamline, and work more efficiently.
10. Set and Communicate Clear Boundaries- Balance isn’t possible without good, clear boundaries. Recognize and define your limits. Avoid overcommitting yourself. Communicate your boundaries to others. If boundaries are particularly challenging for you, consider seeking additional support in this area.