Many of us spend countless hours working at the job we were hired to do, only to continue the work once we get home. We are often giving of our time to others: bosses, co-workers, children, spouses, and parents, but find little time for ourselves. With a new year shining brightly before us, the promise of finding more time to exercise, relax with friends, shop, read, or just sleep a little longer, may seem like a pipe dream. With a little effort though, 2015 could be the year you realize and live your personal work/life balance.
When I took on the task of marketing a brand new hospital in 2010, I found myself working over 80 hours per week. I was there nearly every day because there was so much to do. The stress was masked by the exhilaration and excitement that my colleagues generated during the months before and after the opening. Everything we did was a first: first baby, first surgery, first 100 ER patients: the list goes on and on. My job was to report all these “firsts” as well as bring awareness to the community that after 110 years, they now had a choice in healthcare. There were planning meetings, strategy meetings, 1:1 meetings, department leader meetings, and meetings about upcoming meetings.
Although I have had responsibilities at other jobs that were time-consuming, I was now in a “life-consuming” situation and realized that changes needed to be made. Of course, it took several years to recognize this fact and I am thankful that I have an understanding and loving family who just went about their business without me for a while.
About a year ago, I made a very firm decision that I would leave my desk between 5 and 6 p.m. and that I wouldn’t come in over the weekend unless there was an event I needed to attend. Because of this small change, life is different now. I am far less stressed, don’t keep myself awake all night worrying about something I need to do the next day, and only glance at email occasionally during the evening. For me, this was a step in the right direction.
Work-life balance means something different to every individual, but these tips, shared by experts in an article from Forbes, may help find the balance that’s right for you.
6 Tips for Better Work/Life Balance
- Let go of perfectionism. Strive for excellence instead.
- Unplug when appropriate –shut your phone off and enjoy the moment.
- Exercise or meditate –these are healthy and effective stress reducers.
- Limit time-wasting activities –identify what’s most important in your life. Draw firm boundaries so you can devote quality time to high-priority activities.
- Change the structure of your life. Instead of trying to do it all, focus on activities you specialize in and value most.
- Start small and build from there. Make one change, stick to it and then add a new one.
The next time you’re feeling chained to your desk or the kitchen, remember that one small change may be the catalyst for a life with just a little more freedom and a lot more joy.
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