Thursday, August 1, 2013

Beat the Burnout - Finding a Better Work-Life Balance


There is no one size fits all approach to how we handle our lives. People spend more time at work than home, and while the time between the two doesn’t have to be equal, how it is spent matters. Here are five ways to focus on adding joy to your life:

1) Put downtime on the calendar.

When you plan out your week, make sure to schedule time for family, friends, and activities that you enjoy. Not only will this help you recharge, it will give you something to look forward to. A personal favorite is getting up a few hours before I need to leave for work. This gives me time to go for a run, enjoy a quiet breakfast, and relax before I begin my day.

2) Drop energy-zapping activities like a hot potato.

There is one person in your office that gossips or is constantly venting. Spending time with this person adds no value. Make a conscious effort to avoid other activities that contribute nothing to productivity. This includes checking your bank account, personal social media sites, or personal calls while at work.

3) Rethink your errands.

Instead of going to the post office to buy stamps or to the bank to conduct a transaction, consider online resources. Trade chores. Perhaps you could cook and freeze meals in exchange for your friend wrapping your holiday gifts.

4) Get off your rear.

Nothing works better for making me alert first thing in the morning than exercise. While it may be hard to make time for this, getting up a little earlier to work out will energize you and improve your ability to focus throughout the day.

5) Start small.

Small changes can make a world of difference. Start small by adding activities into your schedule that are important to you. You could spend just ten minutes a day doing something you enjoy to notice a difference in how you feel.

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