Finding balance between work and life in today’s fast-paced world is not easy. You most likely spend more time at work than at home. Also, when you are facing challenges in your personal life, it becomes tough to concentrate on your job and vice versa. If your personal life and work life feel out of balance, this can result in harmful effects. Wellness, after all, is a balance of all the dimensions of your life. To take control of this imbalance of work and life, consider how work has changed, then reevaluate your relationship to work, and apply strategies for creating a more healthy balance.

Work Invades Your Personal Life:

A while ago, people worked Monday through Friday, eight to five. At that time, boundaries between work and life were clear and easy. Things have changed, and boundaries are no longer apparent. Here are some reasons why.

• Global economy.
• International business. Work continues 24 hours around the world.
• Advanced communication technology.
• Longer hours.
• Changes in family roles. Married workers in today’s world are dual-career couples.

Overtime Obsession"

If you are an hourly employee, it is tempting to work overtime. This way you can earn extra money for those special things or just keep up on finances. If you are a salary-based employee, working overtime can help you keep up with your workload or could later result in a promotion or bonuses.

Here are some results of taking that overtime.

• Fatigue. Your ability to think and your eye-hand coordination decrease when you are tired.
• Family. You may miss out on important events, which may harm relationship with your loved ones.
• Friends. They are an important part of your support system. If you are spending time working, it may be difficult to nurture those relationships.
• Expectations. Once you work those extra hours, you may be given more responsibility, which would in turn require more time out of you.

If you are working overtime for financial reasons or to climb that corporate ladder, the key is doing so in moderation.

The Best Work-Life Balance:

It is not easy to juggle all the demands, and it is an on-going challenge to maintain a work-life balance. Some ideas to help you find a balance are the following:

• Keep a log.
• Take advantage of your options. (i.e. flex hours, job-sharing, compressed work week)
• Manage your time.
• Rethink your cleaning standards. Not making your bed or leaving dirty dishes in the sink will not impact your quality of life.
• Communicate clearly.
• Fight the guilt.
• Nurture yourself.
• Set aside one night each week for recreation.
• Protect your day off.
• Get enough sleep.
• Bolster your support system.
• Seek professional help. A huge resource to you is your human resources’ employee assistance program.

Balance between life and work is a continuum, as things are always changing. Examine your priorities and set boundaries.

Source: “Work-life Balance: Ways to Restore Harmony and Reduce Stress,” by MayoClinic.com.