Finding Balance: Between Work, Home, and Self
Written by Alyssia White
Stress is inevitable, especially while working a highly demanding job and running a household like most people. According to OSHA.gov, More than 80% of US workers have reported experiencing workplace stress, and more than 50% believe their work-related stress impacts their life at home. These stressors may be associated with physical/mental demands from work, learning new tools and technical skills, job security, or confrontation from customers, employees, etc.
Stress significantly affects your physical and mental state, so how can we make things a little easier for ourselves? Here are some ways that we can find balance within our hectic schedule:
Plan in advance
Review your typical week and cut down on time ‘wastage.’ Shop online, reduce your commute, avoid social media, or cancel non-essential meetings. Utilizing calendars, apps, and to-do lists are all helpful strategies for keeping track of how you spend your time.
Prioritize what matters most
Spend time thinking about what is important to you in life. How much time do you spend on your priorities? Consider your passions and interests, and make time for the things that make you feel alive.
Set boundaries
Learn to say no, sometimes. Set limits on your work time and set aside time for other activities. Switch off the phone, limit your access to work emails, or go internet-free for a few hours.
Reserve time for yourself
Rest periods are crucial to success since they ‘recharge your batteries.’ Schedule regular time off each week to read a book, play sports, spend time in nature, or do nothing. Choose any activity you enjoy. This is also a great time to focus on your health, as regular exercise reduces stress, anxiety, and depression.
Strengthen positive relationships
Positive relationships and social support help build resilience and help you cope with stress. But these take time to nurture and develop—Prioritize time with your family, friends, neighbors, or loved ones.
Manage your finances
Research shows that a higher income does not necessarily lead to happiness once our basic needs are met. Spending less money could mean fewer work hours and more time for a rewarding life.
In essence, many factors contribute to both our happiness and stress levels. We are all different as individuals and have different stress capacities (some can manage stress more than others). Understanding your limits, setting those boundaries, and protecting your peace during any challenging situation are essential.
Sources:
Health Direct | Work-life Balance
