Twenty four hours. That’s all we have. No amount of wishing, complaining, or creative time management will change that. Each day contains only a number of hours, each week only a number of days. However, the amount of work we must try to fit into those hours can be mind-boggling. Not to mention family responsibilities, home maintenance, social commitments, and life in general.
Sometimes we console ourselves with the thought that it will get easier as we get more established. Once we’ve gotten that corner office or taken our business to the next level. Unfortunately, it just doesn’t work that way. Yes, the job demands change. But it rarely happens that they become less intense or less time consuming.
We must be aware that there are significant risks posed by our overloaded, chronically demanding lives and not enough hours in the day. When life is out of balance, relationships suffer, job performance deteriorates, and parenting skills crumble. Possible emotional effects include feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, irritability, and hopelessness.
What can be done to protect ourselves from burnout in the midst of what sometimes feels like life getting crazy? The following tried and true techniques can help:
or Prioritize. Not everything is urgent or necessary. Focus on what’s most important and put other things on the back burner. Some things can be taken off the plate entirely.
or Ask for help. Don’t make the mistake of trying to do everything on your own. Hire help when appropriate. Call a friend, family member or colleague. People are often glad to end up with a helping hand. (Wouldn’t you do the same for them?)
o Take a break. In 30 minutes or less, you can de-stress, refocus, and revitalize yourself. Why not read a book, take a walk or ride a bike? You can play with your pet, listen to music or flip through a magazine. You can work in your garden or just take a nap. When the time is up, get back to work. Your increased efficiency and productivity will more than make up for the 30 minutes of “down time.”
or say no! You do not have to agree to every request that comes your way. Whether at work or at home, it’s perfectly appropriate, healthy (and necessary) to set limits on what tasks and activities you’ll add to your already packed schedule.
o Stop trying to be perfect. There is very little in life that has to be done to the point of perfection. Few people know the difference between a job well done and a job perfectly done. Get it right and then move on.
The reality is that it will never be easy to balance the demands of work, family and life itself. Make the most of your time by following the above techniques and remember to appreciate the good things. Find gratification in your work, enjoy your family and friends, take pride in your accomplishments. With the right balance and perspective, life can be more than manageable. It can and should be rewarding, engaging, and sometimes just plain gorgeous.
