By Laura Marie Given
SIMPLE STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR WORK-LIFE BALANCE
If you can’t remember the last time you saw your friends, you haven’t put on your sneakers in months, or you regularly find yourself checking your phone even when it hasn’t beeped, then you probably need to step back and shift your priorities. There’s something to be said for hard work, but if all those tireless hours take away from what makes you you, then it’s time to strive for some balance. Follow these easy steps to add more leisure to your life.
- Create “break” appointments. If you struggle to tear away from work on your own, then why not pencil it in? Create a phone alert, add it to your Outlook calendar, and consider that “me” time into a must-do.
- Put exercise on your to-do list. One of the best ways to clear your mind and de-stress is to get your body moving, so do what you can to stick to your fitness routine. Whether it’s an early-morning gym session or a late-night walk around the block, those precious moments are sure to help you stay sane.
- Limit at-home work hours. Technology makes it easy to work 24 hours a day, but that doesn’t mean you should. If you need to work at home, then set a time limit beforehand so that you don’t overdo it.
- Leave your phone at home. Truth is, you don’t need to be connected all the time; that isn’t healthy. When you’re heading to the gym or the grocery store, leave your phone behind and check out for a while.
Read on for more ways to improve your work-life balance.
- Turn off your computer extra early. If you find yourself tossing and turning because you can’t stop thinking about work, then try tuning out a bit earlier by shutting down your laptop several hours before turning in.
- Don’t charge your phone by the bed. Can’t help checking your smartphone every time it lights up or beeps? Do yourself a favor and leave it in another room — out of sight, out of mind.
- Schedule social time with friends. When you’re extra busy and exhausted, going out can be the last thing you’d like to do — but it’s also crucial that you maintain a life outside the office. Make plans far in advance so that bailing simply isn’t an option.
- Put hobbies into your planner. Whether you love to read, paint, or play music, it’s important that you keep up with the pastimes that make you feel most like yourself. Hold yourself accountable by signing up for a class with a friend or hosting a weekly book club meeting.
LadyRomp 
Thanks for sharing. These are great tips to keep in mind to prevent working women from going crazy!
You are so welcome and thank you for stopping by.
I read a good article recently about getting the most important stuff – especially exercise – done early in the day. It reduces stress and helps you maintain balance for the remainder of the day.
That sounds great Paul, do you happen to remember where you saw the article?
Kim
I cannot. I’m a bit of an article scanning junkie – always looking for good content and new ideas. I took a look at my browsing history and couldn’t find the exact article. I’ll send it over if/when I find it.
Thank you!
These are great tips! I’m personally fond of scheduling appointments for social events, hobbies, and exercise. Otherwise my work/home life would be WAY out of balance!
I know Corrie!!. We as women really have to figure that out. I work from home so that helps a lot.
Reblogged this on i cittadini prima di tutto.
Reblogged this on nikkithrivesonchaos and commented:
I need to remember to implement these steps more often. I tend to overwork myself constantly and things get out of hand when there’s no time to step back and enjoy life!
Putting your hobbies or goals into a planner is also really helpful!
Yes, I totally agree Nikki.