Love and work are said to be the cornerstones of being human and both are very important for happiness. Yet juggling the demands of each can be difficult.
Do you allocate sufficient time to exercise, relaxation, family, friends, self, spirituality, career development?
For many in the workforce, achieving any type of work-life balance, can seem like a myth, especially when technology has made us accessible around the clock. Time free from workplace obligations seems to becoming ever more elusive.
Research confirms that individuals, who rest one full day per week, outperform those who do not. Research also confirms that companies, who promote a good work-life balance, report lower levels of staff absenteeism.
Like many things there is no one right way or magic formula. Our work and family circumstances vary enormously.
How do you know if you have achieved a good work-life balance? For me it is feeling satisfied in my personal and work life. It means feeling stimulated, stretched and fulfilled, but not frazzled.
We have to find what works for us at any given time – recognising the need to be flexible as personal, family and work needs vary and change.
I believe there are no hard and fast rules about work-life balance. Work-life balance is about what makes each individual happy. Being successful in my career, and being able to spend quality time with my family, and finding time for my running schedule makes me happy. If I was a stay-at-home mom I would not have a work-life balance as I love my job. Finding time for all the parts of me is what makes me happy.
People who have achieved good balance have a strong support network they can depend upon to help them get through the challenging and demanding times.
Work-life balance isn’t out of reach, start by evaluating your relationship to work. Then apply specific strategies to help you strike a healthier balance.