ARTICLES

Creating Balance > How to Lighten Your Load
By Louise D'Allura
February 3, 2011

Are you buried so deep under a pile of work that you wonder if you'll ever get out?  If you're feeling stressed and overtired, you might be feeling that a work-life balance is out of reach.   The key to balance is to recognise there is no such thing – sometimes you’ll be focusing and investing different amounts of energy on different days in different areas.   The trick is to know what and why you are doing it, so you can ease your workload by opting out of unnecessary projects or unreasonable demands.

The first place to start is at  STOP!
If you think you’re too busy to stop and think, think again!  Taking time out to think about how you’d like your life to be 5 years from now, and 10 years from now isn’t a luxury – it is a necessity!  It’s only when you know what’s most important to you, that you can organise your life and take steps to turn your vision into reality.  For example if your vision is to have a happy, healthy family, an action to achieve that might be “Organise a healthy picnic at our local park each Wednesday night.  Play soccer for 20 minutes before dinner.”  It’s the little steps you take every day, every week, every month that will see you heading towards the life you want.  After all a vision with out action is a fairy tale!

Try these tips to help you move towards the life you want:

1.    Keep the work at work. Resist the temptation to bring work home with you. If you're facing pressing deadlines or a pile of work that keeps growing, taking work home seems like the easiest way to get it all done.  Taking work home though means saying no to vital family time.

2.    Limit your hours.  If you know the reason you’re stuck there late is because you keep saying yes to more and more work, or you’re a perfectionist, it is time to work on these!  Build up your confidence saying no to small things to makes it easier when you really have to say no.  If that inner perfectionist won’t let you finish because it isn’t perfect, ask a trusted colleague to look over your work half way through for an unbiased opinion.  Chances are you are probably almost done!  If you can work on these two areas you’ll probably have a better chance of working reasonable hours and feel ok to leave when it's time to clock out.

3.    Go to work early. Instead of staying at the office late and missing family time, consider arriving early if you have to catch up on work. While you only want to do this occasionally, it can be the perfect compromise.

4.    Put your family first. Just as you make appointments that support your working career, why not make appointments that prioritize your family and encourage balance? Schedule in date nights, play time with the kids, or whatever suits your lifestyle. That way, when the calendar starts to become crowded with work, your family doesn't get crowded out.

Most of your day may be spent at work, but the most rewarding experiences and memories of your life happen outside of work.


Louise D'Allura is Home Economist/ Nutritionist and Professional Organiser from Brisbane based Revamp Professional Organisers Pty Ltd who help busy people get organised at home, at the office and for healthy eating. Visit www.TheRevampExperience.com.au for more information or sign up for a Newsletter