Surely the title is a misprint? Should it not be ‘Improve your Work/ Life Balance?
Most of us have to work to achieve the lifestyle to which we aspire. There are many positive benefits to working. These are linked to our mental well-being, physical, emotional. Some of us if we are in a job which we enjoy, we benefit in all these areas. However when we are in a job that we don’t enjoy and don’t find a life balance, we will probably experience negative effects in all of these areas.
What are the risks associated with an imbalance? There are four key areas to consider:
· your health and well-being
· your family life
· your friendships
· your effectiveness and happiness
‘…never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life…’ source unknown
It is important that we enjoy it and find a suitable balance within all aspects of our life. So, what can you start to do today to make that improvement? Here are a few tips that may help you manage your life more effectively:
These themes can be read in more detail in our book, ’A Mindful Compassionate Guide to a Happier Life’. We also have a bespoke course that tackles the challenges of gaining balance
Identify your priorities in life. The things you find important in life will become apparent to you when you change the way you think about your life. Life is very precious. Make time for the thing you really love and value.
Make a plan. Once you have identified your highest priorities in life, make a plan for action. Prioritise and manage time more effectively, allowing you to make time for yourself.
Dealing with stress and learning how to relax. Stress is real. It affects us emotionally and physically. Check our audio downloads, we have a range of relaxing audios for you.
Technology can have a positive or negative effect on your life. Being ‘switched-in’ all of the time erodes your personal life and hamper your effectiveness at work. It is a balancing act.
Reflection activity: how to manage your lifestyle (adapted from the book, ’A Mindful Compassionate Guide to a Happier Life’ by Ian Geddes and Susan Chan
· take control and take decisions and gain some power
· never take your personal life and family for granted
· be choosy and adjust your work and life commitments according to their value to you and not just what your employer demands
· know your limits and talk them over at work, after all it is only work!
· review your situation and your priorities every 3 months
· allow space in your life so stop and relax and dedicate time for yourself every day
· don’t follow routines that are only there through habit
· accept that your life has many parts and be mindful towards them all
· don’t be addicted to your work
· be unavailable by telephone, or email for a part of each day and for at least one day a week. This will allow you to appreciate all aspects of your life
· recognise that you need to look after yourself, because only then can you look after others
· if you are healthy in mind, body and spiritually, then you will be happier and remember to show compassion
· practise relaxation and mindfulness with self-compassion every day
· remember you can say no!
· re-evaluate your perspective on life
· remember the most that you can ever give is 100%
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