Focus on your priorities!

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Work-Life-Balance 2
If you’re finding it more challenging than ever to juggle the demands of your job and the rest of your life, you’re not alone.

Many people are putting in extra hours, or using their smartphones to be on call when they’re not physically at work and that’s been me over the past four months. Work life Integration that’s it….

“If you feeling that you don’t have much control over the hours you have to work – you do”. You are responsible for your own actions and if there is one thing I have learnt over the past four months is that putting in the effort goes long way but you do require the balance. Lately, I started feeling one dimensional, that work is the only thing that I have been spending my time on and yes I can see the results and the growth in my career, but I have also seen how everything else tends to take a back seat. I have the most amazing husband who is supportive of my career and fortunate that I have put in the effort over the past few months but realise now that a balance is needed. One does not realise how fast time flies by and you can ask yourself: In what other ways am I bringing greater enjoyment into my life?” “Focus your time and attention on things you can control.”

I have managed to relook my scenario and have worked the following into my schedule for better balance and control.

Here are five ways to bring a little more balance to your daily routine:

1. Build downtime into your schedule.

When you plan your week, make it a point to schedule time with your family and friends, and activities that help you recharge.

If a date night with your spouse is booked that is out of the ordinary activities such as movies or dinner but more a “big” night out, or a night out with the girls or with friends is on your calendar, you’ll have something to look forward to and an extra incentive to manage your time well so you don’t have to cancel. My hubby and I go out a lot, as he is my priority and main source of solace, key thing to note though is do more “special” things, create memories that last. It helps to be proactive about scheduling.

2. Drop activities that sap your time or energy.

“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 or just NEGATIVE and that goes for family too, you don’t want to spend time with family members that complain all the time and who does not enrich your life in anyway ” Advice: Take stock of activities that don’t enhance your career or personal life, and minimize the time you spend on them.

3. Rethink your errands.

Consider whether you can outsource any of your time-consuming household chores or errands.

Could you order your groceries online and have them delivered? Have your dry cleaning picked up and dropped off at your home or office? Even if you’re on a tight budget, you may discover that the time you’ll save will make it worth it. Trading services with friends could work too, offer to do tasks that you enjoy or that you were planning to do anyway.

4. Get moving.

It’s hard to make time for exercise when you have a jam-packed schedule, but it may ultimately help you get more done by boosting your energy level and ability to concentrate.

“Research shows exercise can help you to be more alert” – I went back to gym last week after three months and already I feel a bit more energised, it does wonders – it took me over one week to recover though, but keep going at it!

5. Remember that a little relaxation goes a long way.

Don’t assume that you need to make big changes to bring more balance to your life. Set realistic goals, like leaving the office earlier one night per week.

“Slowly build more activities into your schedule that are important to you – Maybe you can start by spending an hour a week on your hobby of painting, or planning a weekend getaway with your spouse or friends etc.” I have finally managed to spend some more time on my photography and managed to finish off my photobooks for our last two trips we did this year to Japan and Spain.

Even during a hectic day, you can take 10 or 15 minutes to do something that will recharge your batteries. “Take a bath, read a light novel, go for a walk, or listen to music”. “You have to make a little time for the things that ignite your joy.”

Mine, is just relaxing, lying on my husband’s chest, curled up in front of the television, while we watch a comedy and laugh the stress off for 3 hours every week – it helps!!!