Our hearts
and prayers go out to the families and friends of the victims of the horrible
tragedy in Connecticut. May their fond memories and the caring thoughts of
others assist in their healing.
Events like
this give us pause to reflect on our own lives, and where we are placing our
priorities. During this holiday season, take some time to think back over this
past year. What was the ratio of time you spent working – and/or thinking about
work – to the time you spent with your family? Or to the time you spent
relaxing? Or playing? If the scale tips significantly toward work, it may be
time to make some changes.
According to
an article by the Mayo Clinic,
spending too much time at work can have a negative impact on your health and
relationships, and can begin a cycle of increased expectations where the longer
hours become the norm. Here are some
tips from the article for getting your life back in balance:
Track your time. Review your daily activities – both
work-related and personal, and prioritize them.
Cut out or delegate activities you don’t enjoy or don’t really have
time for.
Take advantage of your options. Does
your employer offer flex hours, a shorter work week, job sharing, telecommuting
or other scheduling options? Having more control over your hours will reduce
stress.
Learn to say no. Whether it’s a
coworker asking you to spearhead an extra project or your child’s teacher
asking you to organize a class party, remember that it’s OK to respectfully say
no. When you stop accepting tasks out of guilt or a false sense of obligation,
you’ll have more time for the activities that are important to you.
Leave work at work. With our various
devices that connect us to anyone at anytime from nearly anywhere it’s hard to
define the boundary between work and home. Make a conscious decision to
separate work from personal time. When you’re with family, keep your laptop in
your briefcase.
Manage your time. Organize tasks and errands efficiently. Put
family events on a weekly family calendar and keep a daily to-do list. Do what
needs to be done and let the rest go.
Bolster your support system. Join
forces with coworkers who can cover for you – and vice versa – when family issues
arise. At home, enlist trusted friends and loved ones to pitch in with child
care or household responsibilities when you need to work overtime or travel.
Nurture yourself. Eat a healthy diet
and include physical activity in your daily routine. Get enough sleep. Set time
aside each day for an activity you enjoy, and factor time in your week to
participate in activities with family and friends.
As you think
about your goals and objectives for 2013, I encourage you to include goals
around more than just what you want to achieve professionally. Make some goals
that incorporate the suggestions above, and focus on having a happy, successful
and BALANCED New Year!
Happy
holidays!
Lead on,
Rebecca
