Take Care of Yourself

Keeping the Balance

"Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths" (Etty Hillesum).

It isn't easy to juggle the demands of a career and personal life. For most people, it's an ongoing challenge to reduce stress and maintain harmony in key areas of their life. Here are some ideas to help you find the balance that's best for you (and a good suggestion for your clients):

§ Manage your time. Organise household tasks efficiently. Doing one or two loads of laundry every day rather than saving it all for your day off, and running errands in batches rather than going back and forth several times are good places to begin. A weekly familiar calendar of important dates and a daily list of to-dos will help you avoid deadline panic. If your employer offers a course in time management, ! sign up for it.

§ Rethink your cleaning standards. An unmade bed or sink of dirty dishes won't impact the quality of your life. Do what needs to be done and let the rest go. If you can afford it, pay someone else to clean your house.

§ Communicate clearly. Limit time-consuming misunderstandings by communicating clearly and listening carefully. Take notes if it helps.

§ Nurture yourself. Set aside time each day for an activity that you enjoy, such as walking, working out or listening to music.

§ Unwind after a hectic workday by reading, practicing yoga or taking a bubble bath. Sitting down and watching the news is NOT recommended for relaxation or unwinding as many studies advise the news creates an upward shift in anxiety and stress levels.

§ Get enough sleep. There's nothing as stressful and potentially dangerous as working when you're sleep-deprived. Not only is your productivity affected, but you can also make costly mistakes. You may then have to work even more hours to make up for those mistakes.

§ Bolster your support system. Give yourself the gift of a trusted friend or co-worker to talk with during times of stress and hardship. If you're part of a religious community, take advantage of the support your religious leader can provide. Ensure you have trusted friends and relatives who can assist you when you need to work overtime or travel on your job.

Balance doesn't mean doing everything. Examine your priorities and set boundaries. Be firm in what you can and cannot do. Only you can restore harmony to your lifestyle.