Work-life balance is something many professionals strive for. Yet it can seem impossible, between juggling heaving workloads, managing family responsibilities, prioritizing relationships and squeezing in exercise, hobbies or other interests.
Life’s demands are real and ever present. The pressure and hurry to “do it all” and “get it all done” creates increased stress levels that often become unmanageable. Americans spend a large part of their day and life at work, increasing the effect workplace environments can have on overall well–being. A recent study by Family Living Today showed professionals who work more than 55 hours a week are at a 66-times–higher risk of depression and 74–times–higher risk of anxiety than those only working 35 to 40 hours a week.
Professional women lead busy lives, and it can be a challenge. Despite the longer work day and long commute times, there are some other common occurrences that plague working women and cause them to feel imbalanced, including not enough time, feeling guilty, striving to “climb the ladder,” perfectionism, inability to say no, giving people unlimited access, reacting to everything immediately, and failing to set limits.
If any of these resonate with you, it might be a good time to pause to think about your state of work-life balance. It’s a broad concept, including proper prioritizing between work (career and ambitions) and life (health, pleasure, leisure, family, spirituality).
Most women would agree that finding this perfect balance between work and life can be a tricky task. In reality, it’s not so much about balance, but how to integrate each area so they flow together with harmony, ease and grace. So what can you do if you feel like you can’t stop juggling it all?
Analyzing your current state of balance is a great first step. Most people are so busy they neglect to take a step back and look at their work and life objectively. Taking a work-life inventory can help increase your awareness of what is and is not working. Everyone has a limited amount of time and energy, so it’s key to spend time on your priorities.
Ask yourself these questions:
1. Where do I spend most of my time?
2. Where do I want to feel more balanced? Why is this important?
3. What would I like to do more (or less) of?
4. What actions need to happen to have more balance?
The key is to acknowledge where you are, where you desire to be, and what’s a plan for getting there. Take a few minutes to give these questions some thought and you will reap the benefits.
Albert Einstein said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”
Harmony can happen when you choose to look at how imbalanced your life really is and then take different actions. If you don’t know what actions to take next, here are some practical strategies from Mental Health America to help reduce work-life stress.
At Work:
- Set realistic and manageable daily goals
- Structure your to-do list and prioritize tasks
- Work efficiently and finish one task completely
- Take small breaks to gain clarity and refocus
- Communicate truthfully and honestly with yourself about what you can actually accomplish and what to delegate, eliminate or delay
At Home:
- Unplug from technology
- Divide and conquer tasks
- Limit your commitments
- Be active, eat right and get adequate rest
- Spend time with people who make you happy
When professional women are happy and in harmony, they take fewer sick days, experience greater satisfaction, healthier relationships, increased productivity, and are more likely to stay in their jobs.
All of your power and potential to achieve balance resides in each present moment choice – one little choice at a time. Life might always feel somewhat like a balancing act. But know you have the power to continually observe your well–being and decide what brings you satisfaction, inner peace and balance. Ultimately, it’s up to you to make new choices to win back the balance you desire and deserve in your life.
Beilsmith is an executive coach and professional development expert recognized for helping high–achieving professionals, teams and leaders reach their true potential through coaching, training and assessments. Visit jennybeilsmith.com for more information.
