Simple Rules To Finding Work-Life Balance

Posted on March 18, 2015 by Inga Ruzgyte Colan, One of Thousands of Life Coaches on Noomii.

If you are finding it more challenging to juggle your work demands with the rest of your life, you are not alone. New technologies had brought high levels of production with high expectations, demands and pressure. We are expected to act on a moments notice and be available 24/7. Our modern lives, jobs and health depend on these technologies that provide us the lifesaving drugs, computer microchips and even food. We have limitless choices and possibilities that we couldn’t possibly imagine 100 years ago, and yet, we’re the most overworked, stressed out and burnt out society ever known. I’ve seen a lot of work-life imbalance among my engineering colleagues and friends. After all, as engineers, our jobs are to solve other peoples problems, and often at the expense of our own happiness and joy. But why is this happening?

The reason is – because we are humans! And we’ve hit our natural limits and lost balance.

Our brain and body developed to it’s current state many thousands of years ago. Humankind has lived with the same brain, same muscles, same bones, same instinctive reflexes and reactions for at least 200,000 years. Today, our brain that developed in survival ages, is still the same. It processes technological advances the same way it processed circumstances that our ancestors confronted. And it needs the same balance to function and keep us productive, passionate and happy.

Fortunately, we don’t necessarily need to live like our ancestors did to achieve balance. What is necessary however, is to learn how to live within the long established rules of balance for our brains, our bodies and our lives. And the rules are quite simple. Here are some of them that can help you get your life back into balance and enjoy both- your life and your career:

1.Evaluate your priorities, values and passions. Balance doesn’t mean that you have to spend equal amounts of time at work and at home. It’s about intertwining the two into a synchronized story, where one complements the other. The easiest way to balancing this act is when the work you do is something you are passionate about and is aligned with your values. Concentrate on what’s important to you, not on what others think you should be doing. Design your life based on your priorities and values. And forget about the perfectionistic details. Perfectionism kills balance!

2.Set strong boundaries! Now that you are clear what your priorities and values are, set strong boundaries to protect them. Our lives are overscheduled and overfilled with activities and commitments. Many times, while it’s a nice and friendly thing to do, we agree to commitments even if we don’t have time or energy to complete them. We end up resentful and stressed out, and wish we hadn’t agreed to them. The truth is – You are the only one who can protect your time and your interests! You have to establish “the line” you are not willing to cross or allow others to cross! Set strong boundaries and say No when you don’t have time, or energy, or it’s not in your best interest, or you simply don’t feel like taking on another responsibility or commitment- at home or at work.

3.Move everyday. Movement helps your brain to think! Especially a vigorous rhythmic movement, such as dancing, biking, running, walking, swimming, yoga and any other exercise that has a repetitive, rhythmic pattern. Movement turns the instinctive energy into a flowing thought. Research shows that physical activity helps improve academic performance in children and adults. Movement helps you process emotions better. Movement helps you feel better. Movement helps you balance your life. Find your natural style of movement that is fun, interesting and rewarding to you. So go out there and move!

4.Rest! To find a balance in your life, you not only need to move, you need to rest. If you only move and not rest, or you do not move enough, you lose the balance. Movement and rest is like a harmonious music that gives you the flow of feeling healthy and happy- the feeling of balance. However, many of us don’t have enough rest, or confuse rest with physical inactivity. Rest is when your body and your mind takes a break from stimulations around you. It helps you to recover, renew and recharge so you can start moving again. Watching TV, surfing internet, and constantly plunged into social sites on your electronic devises is not resting! You are not at rest during these activities; you are inactive. Your brain is tense, wired and stimulated while processing all information in front of it. Your mind is racing, and your body is still- You are out of balance. On the other hand, sleep, meditation, massage, and activities that relax and refresh you will help you get the rest you need. A good balance of movement and rest will lead you to a more balanced life.

5.Spend time with family and friends. We live in a time of unparalleled connection, but so many of us feel lonely more than ever before. The need for close relationships is hard-wired into our brains. Our brains, our bodies and our minds function better with the right amount of healthy relationships with people. Positive and supportive relationships help us feel healthier, happier, and more satisfied with our lives. Strive to maintain close relationships with people you care about. Your close relationships should be characterized by empathy, trust, warmth, acceptance, emotional support and a feeling that you can confide in each other. Cut back on your superficial contacts (and your Facebook “friends”) and end relationships that are unhealthy or do not feel right.

6.Spend a healthy amount of time alone. We spend a good amount of time in an unhealthy alone state: watching TV, surfing the internet, communicating on social networks, and even in a crowd of people we don’t know. We are alone in a sea of strangers everyday; and that makes us feel tired, worn out, and depressed. Our brain needs supportive, deep connection with another human being and a quiet, thoughtful reflection of the time alone. It needs balance. Find time everyday to concentrate on yourself, without external stimulations. Pick up a book, go for a walk, engage in activity you enjoy or just relax in a nice hot bath to restore from all the demands of your day. You’ll find it much easier to achieve the balance you deserve.

If, after incorporating these simple rules into you life, you still feel overwhelmed and can’t enjoy your work, your personal life, or both, you may need to incorporate some bigger, more drastic changes. You may consider cutting your hours or your workload at work, change jobs or even careers, to find a more balanced way of living. You may consider finding someone who could help you with chores and tasks at home, so you could find more time for yourself and your family. You may consider hiring a life coach to help you overcome personal challenges and find a better balance in your life.

It’s not easy to strike the balance between all demands that life throws at us. But we are given only one chance at life, and why not live this life in balance and harmony with ourselves and those around us? Why not live it the way that it’s true to us and our values, and that at the end of it all we wouldn’t have any regrets?

I believe I can do it! And I believe, You can do it too!