Do you ever wake up with intentions of getting all these things done but then before you know it, it’s 3:00 pm and you’re wondering where the day went?
If there’s one thing you’ve likely realized by now it’s that life is unpredictable. Interruptions, distractions, and multi-tasking is the norm. And when you have others that depend on you, whether it’s family, your boss or the dog, life can get pretty crazy, pretty quickly!
But have you ever thought about this?
Those “interruptions” belong there.
They create change. They create variety. And your life is interesting and fulfilling because of change and variety.
Variety in the professional and personal aspects of your life make every day worth living. Now all you really need to do is learn how to balance it all!
Here are a few tips to help you create better balance at home and work:
PRIORITIZE. Although you may be a little hesitant to go through this step, it’s vital.
Do you find yourself putting greater effort into your career? Perhaps that’s where your passion lies right now. It’s important to come to terms with that.
Have you experienced being at work and worrying about the amount of quality time you spend with your kids? Maybe that’s truly your focus, and that’s okay too!
The first step is determining what’s more important to you. After you’ve done that, consider whether you can afford to be in that position. If there are factors pointing to unrealistic priorities, be honest with yourself.
BONUS TIP: Communicate your needs to your partner. They can’t help if they don’t know.
CREATE A DISTINCTION. Now that you’ve outlined your priorities, your next task is to ensure the responsibilities are properly distinguished. Are there certain responsibilities which really shouldn’t be on your radar right now?
Earning another degree can certainly add to your qualifications, but is the timing right? You don’t mind the commute, but would working remotely one day a week provide the opportunity to have dinner as a family? Use your time wisely so you can balance professional and personal responsibilities.
It’s great if your kids can participate in tons of extracurricular activities. But do you have the time to attend all the games and recitals? Meet them halfway by limiting the activities, or share the responsibilities with your spouse.
BONUS TIP: Studies show that kids are more successful in life when they are allowed some unstructured time to just be a kid; to think, to dream, and even to be bored!
STICK TO A DEDICATED SCHEDULE. It’s only fair to give each aspect of your life the time it deserves. Once you’ve identified the priorities, avoid allowing both areas of your life to intertwine.
If you’ve allocated three hours each evening to those special people in your life, ensure you stick to that. This will keep you connected and your relationships strong.
BONUS TIP: Turn your phone off during this time or set an alarm to remind you to put it away for the night.
Sure, unexpected occurrences may pop up at work and you certainly can’t plan for a sick kid. But what’s important is that you make the effort to stick to schedules as much as possible. BONUS TIP: Try meal planning or cooking double the amount so you have leftovers to take for lunch or an easy meal for later in the week.
MAKE IT WORTH YOUR WHILE. When you’ve identified set blocks of time for specific responsibilities, maintain your focus and follow through.
If it’s time for work, make it all about work. Try to produce your best quality and get the best results. That way, you’ll feel at ease when you’re ready to move on to your personal time. You’ll rest better knowing you’ve given your best at work.
The same thing goes for personal time. Silence your phone. Shut down your computer. Allow yourself to take care of personal responsibilities without interruption.
BONUS TIP: Play music or listen to a podcast. It’s makes doing mundane tasks (like cleaning or folding laundry) more enjoyable.
When you practice these tips regularly, you’ll find it much easier to handle unexpected circumstances without getting flustered. You’ll be more productive and mindful at both the office and at home.
