Sometimes referred to as “work/life balance”, balancing our personal and professional lives is something we all strive towards and is a requirement for a healthy and happy lifestyle. But what does this mean?
Everyone prioritises the many aspects of their lives differently, however at times people can experience an internal struggle between the commitments in their professional and personal lives. This could be spending too much time at work and not enough time with family, or it could be that you’re experiencing feelings of unfulfillment because you are not really living a life that you want. Whatever it is, finding the perfect balance for you is the ultimate goal. Here are a few tips to help you achieve a better balance in your life:
1. Prioritise
The first step to achieving a better balance in your life is to understand what matters to you so that you can make time for these things. Identifying your personal and professional aims will provide clarity and help you to take the appropriate steps towards a balance that will make you happy.
2. Communicate
Once your personal and professional aims have been established, it’s important to communicate your feelings; withdrawing from your feelings will only make you feel more overwhelmed. Opening up to people you feel can help, will provide a sense of support and allow you to have a more positive mindset, where progression and happiness will follow.
3. Boundaries
Although technology has helped us progress in many ways, it can also negatively influence the balance in our lives by taking us away from enjoying moments and making us constantly accessible to others. By putting boundaries in place, such as turning off phones or emails at certain points in the day, this will help you make better use of your time or enjoy quality time with others.
4. Know that you’re in control
One thing that affects peoples’ work/life balance is the feeling of not being in control. However, understanding that you are the only one in control of your life, and knowing when to say no, is important. Once this is established, you will have a greater sense of wellbeing and experience less stress. This also means working in a way that suits you. Everyone’s bodies work differently, for example some people are much more productive in the morning than later in the day. Working to these strengths will allow you to create a better balance and maximise your energy levels.
Anne Taylor of DIRECTions Coaching is a certified life coach in London, who works with individuals on a daily basis, to help you move forward in your life and get you to where you want to be. If you feel like you could benefit from Anne’s years of experience, do not hesitate to get in touch on 020 3151 6830.
