Work-Life: Applying Balance and Making it Work

Work-Life balance, is too important to be left in the hands of your employer or your business. It is a concept of proper prioritizing between "work (career and ambition) and "lifestyle" (health, pleasure, leisure, family and spiritual development).

Most recently, there has been a shift in the workplace as a result of advances in technology. People now have many methods, such as emails computers, and cellphones, which enable them to accomplish their work beyond the physical boundaries of their office.

Researchers have found that employees/entrepreneurs who consider their work roles to be an important component of their identities will be more likely to apply these communication technologies to work while in their non-work domain.

Stress and Work-Life Balance.

Clearly it can be seen in our environment that problems caused by stress have become a major concern to both employers and employees. Symptoms of stress are manifested both physiologically and psychologically. Persistent stress can result in cardiovascular disease, sexual health problems, a weaker immune system and frequent headaches, stiff muscles, or backache. It can also result in poor coping skills, irritability, insecurity, exhaustion, and difficulty concentrating. Stress may also perpetuate or lead to poor eating, smoking and alcohol consumption.

The feeling that simply working hard is not enough anymore, to get ahead, a seventy hour week is the new standard. What little time is left is often divided among relationships, kids and sleep. This increase in work hours over the past two decades means that less time will be spent with family, friends as well as pursuing activities that one enjoys and taking the time to grow personally and spiritually.

Global changes in Work-Life balance.

New labor laws in France now protect some workers in the digital and consultancy sectors-including the French offices of Google, Facebook, Deloitte and Pwc -from having to respond to work emails outside of working hours.

A sweedish city council announced this week that it's trialing six-hour workdays with full pay for its staff in Gothenburg. The experiment is based on the theory that after six hours, employees become tired and productivity is reduced.

Bringing Balance to your Work-Life.

A lot of people are having a more difficult time finding balance in their lives because there have been cutback or layoffs where they work. They're afraid it may happen to them so they're putting in more hours.

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.

2. Drop activities that sap your time or energy.

People tend to waste their time and energy on activities or people that add no value, see our blog post (Why allow people steal your time?)

3. Rethink  your errands.

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

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.

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. Slowly build more activities into your schedule that are important to you.

As you follow this ways to bring a bit of balance to your work-life, focus your time and attention on things you can control.

Leave a comment, on tips that works for your Work-Life Balance.