Modern women are buckling under the weight of high expectations, and juggling work, home, and family. The idea of a perfect work-life balance seems utterly impossible. Unsurprisingly, many women in America feel overextended, stressed, and burnt out.
It’s easy to get caught up in the routine of life and forget that we have options and can make changes. Our habits become the driving force in our lives and leave us feeling trapped and frustrated. Then we become less efficient, make more mistakes and get sick from being so tired and stressed.
We were not meant to rush through life trying to get as much done as possible, and we are feeling the effects — emotionally, physically, and mentally. The good news is, we can find that healthy balance, but it will take some significant changes.
Be More Efficient by Doing Less Each Day
Instead of trying to move a mountain every day at work, set reasonable goals. Experts suggest five tasks that you can complete without feeling stressed. Work for 90 minutes then take a break. Breaks will help your efficiency and focus as you work through your list of priorities.
If you end the day without completing all the tasks, move them to the next day. Your feeling of accomplishment will grow with every item you cross off. Ask for help and delegate tasks that you cannot finish.
After a few weeks of working this way, you will feel more in control of your day. If you are struggling with too much work, be honest and tell your boss you need help. Fewer priorities and accomplishing more will leave you more energy for home life and personal interests.
Set Clear Boundaries
Technology has improved our lives tremendously, but it has also colored the landscape of work. Management often oversteps boundaries expecting employees to be on-call and reachable 24/7. Just because they can reach you, doesn’t mean you should be available.
You must set firm boundaries for work and personal time. Unless you work as an on-call doctor, you don’t need to be reached. When you leave the office, turn off your cell phone and don’t check your email.
No one will prioritize your personal time for you. You must make it clear that you have other responsibilities that demand your attention when you are not in the office. You may have to assert yourself more than once on this topic until they hear you.
Divorce Yourself From a Toxic Work Environment
Many people work at jobs for years and don’t even realize that they are working in a toxic environment. They know they feel stressed, overworked, and miserable until the weekend comes, but they don’t understand why.
If management always focuses on what went wrong and not what went well, this is a red flag. The expectation that you be available around the clock is also a danger sign. Discrimination, unclear expectations, unreasonable demands are further signs that your company is a toxic place to work.
If teamwork doesn’t exist in your company and your accomplishments go unnoticed, it may be time for a change. You deserve better than that. There are other jobs with better companies out there.
Make a Lot of Small Changes and Let Go of Old Habits
Our lives are made up of many small habits that we develop over time. Some of them are useful with a purpose, and some are unhealthy and cause us stress. Letting yourself get overextended and burnt out is a bad habit that you can change.
You might find after doing a little exploration that your entire life needs to change for a better work-life balance. Start small but make a lot of slight changes. When you break up your day and week with new ways of doing things, it opens your mind to even more possibilities.
Change can be scary, but you will find that it is healthy to shake things up and start over. There is nothing in your life that you cannot change or improve. Out with the old habits and in with the new.
Make “Me Time” a Priority
We all have fun things we like to do, but many of us don’t have the time. A healthy work-life balance starts with making the time. You must be the number one priority. You are no good to anyone else if you are tired, sick or stressed.
It doesn’t matter if your passion is yoga, meditating, painting, reading or hiking. Carve out time each week to do something that is just for you. Set boundaries with work and family and let them know this is important for your wellbeing.
Change is always hard at first, but once everyone sees how much more relaxed, pleasant and efficient you are, they will get on board. Making “me time” a priority is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Your sense of peace and fulfillment will expand as you enjoy a few hours each week doing what you love.
Finding Balance in Relationships
In our busy lives, our relationships often suffer. With two people working and kids to care for, we find there isn’t a lot of time to tend to our personal relationships. For them to work, we must prioritize time with our special someone.
Date night has become an excellent way for couples to reconnect during the hustle and bustle of their busy lives. Starting new traditions or new healthy habits like making a point to eat breakfast together or take a walk after dinner are other great ways to make time for each other.
Find creative ways to keep the communication going such as romantic texts, little notes you leave in their coat pocket or a quick voicemail to let them know you care.
Finding a comfortable balance between work-life, family and relationships is key to staying healthy, happy and not getting burnt out. A few small changes here and there will improve your life tremendously. It all boils down to prioritizing what matters most to you and then taking action.
What are your thoughts? Please share in the comments below. I really would love to know.
Until next time, shine amongst the stars!
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I always make time for exercise as I would be toxic without it. These are great tips and very helpful.
❤ Thanks for reading & sharing your thoughts!