Some people seem to effortlessly glide between work, family and personal commitments without even breaking a sweat. The rest of us struggle daily to achieve that elusive balance.
Here are seven tips to help you balance your life:
- Chill Out: We all need time alone to rewind and recharge. To carve out some time for yourself, treat it like an appointment you can’t miss”even if it’s just for 20 minutes. Time alone also gives you the chance to get to know yourself and pursue your own interests.
- Reconnect: When you’re busy, it’s easy to lose touch with friends and family. Reach out. You can also try getting involved in community projects and charities”it’s a big world out there, and it doesn’t just revolve around that report your boss needs by 5pm.
- Share: Stressed out, angry or upset? Don’t bottle it up. Sharing your feelings, concerns and worries can be cathartic. Just don’t burden the same friend over and over with your woes. (And if you’re always feeling down and find it’s affecting your work or friendships, seek help.)
- Get Organized: Whether it’s your desk, your kitchen or your financial status, disorganization can wreak havoc on an otherwise balanced life. Take some time out to clean up the mess or get help”you’ll reap the rewards in peace of mind.
- Plan Ahead: If you struggle to allocate your time properly, get familiar with a schedule and stick to it! It can be hard to say No, but you do need to prioritize your time between work and leisure. Plan ahead as much as you can, but don’t stick to your schedule so rigidly that you’re even more stressed out. Be flexible.
- Change: We’re not suggesting you quit your job and move to Copenhagen tomorrow, but consider whether it’s time for a major change. Maybe you need to ditch that cheating boyfriend, find a new job or book a four-week vacation. Think about it.
- Get Healthy: It’s hard to feel good about your life when you neglect your own body. If you’ve been doing this, jumpstart things with a healthier eating plan and getting in the habit of regular exercise.
