Ever felt like there simply weren’t enough hours in a day?
For working professionals, life is like walking a tight rope. Stress levels in the United States are at an all-time high. A survey conducted by Harris interactive found that 8 out of 10 Americans are stressed about increasing workloads, spending longer hours in the office, cutbacks and layoffs, among other work-related issues.
Most believe that unless science figures out a way to make them stop sleeping altogether, finding that perfect balance between all the daily to-dos is just a pipe dream.
Or is it?
Researchers who are studying work culture say that work and life balance tends to differ over time. Your work and personal life is going to be different when you are single compared to when you get married and have children. But the good news is that making a few small changes to your daily routine is all that’s required in order to stay sane at work and home.
Jody Greenstone Foster, who is an author and the CEO of Business Talent Group says that if you want balance – (and not everybody does) you have to force yourself to edit yourself personally and professionally.
Stop Spending Time on Things That Don’t Matter
Being a shotgun and taking on as much as you can is a big reason why people are so stressed out. Make a list of all the things that you do, and see which of them can be avoided; you’ll be surprised how many activities you can do without.
Marilyn Puder-York, PhD, a psychologist and executive coach in New York and Connecticut, says that “many people
waste their time on activities or people that add no value—for example, spending too much time at work with a colleague who is constantly venting and gossiping.”
She suggests that people should make a concerted effort to identify which activities aren’t helping them, and then spend less time focused on them. If wasteful activities can be avoided, then you should make an effort to leave them behind.
Find out More about Your Company’s Employee Policies
If your company allows telecommuting, then ask your boss if you can be permitted to work from home a few days a week. As information technology is becoming more advanced, the need to be in an office is becoming redundant. You can save a lot of time and money by not having to travel to the office and even complete your house chores by taking small breaks every now and then, which will leave you feeling fresh.
Know When to Put Away That Phone
Back in 2010, Steve Jobs revealed that he did not permit his children to have an iPad. In fact, he said, “We limit how much technology our kids use at home.”(Shocking! I know) But there’s a message here: technology was developed to help—not rule us—and even Jobs realized that overuse of technology hurts more than it helps.
Being glued to your blackberry or iPhone all the time does not make you more productive or responsive, it only makes you less in control of your life. Sometimes during the day, like during meals and time with family or friends, should remain tech-free.
If you feel that you aren’t leading a balanced life, our wellness team is ready to help you!
Image 1: Nazreth
Image 2: hortongro
