For example, write a schedule based on your priorities each week. You may work a set amount of hours each week, but spend your after-work time with family, friends, and meaningful activities. Participate in a weekly bowling league, schedule regular dinners with your spouse, and plan time for your kids. Think about what activities you have to do, enjoy doing, and want to do. Then, try ranking these activities in order of their importance to you and then assign an appropriate amount of time to each activity.
For example, if you’re a student, you may make compromises for your studies that reduce spending time with friends and having fun, at least for a time. These compromises may be difficult, but can help you attain a job later.
For example, you may fear the worst if you fail an exam. Say to yourself, “I’ll be disappointed if I do poorly. However, I know that I can take more exams and bring the grade up later. ” If you start thinking, “This presentation is going to be awful” or, “I can’t believe I messed up so much,” take a step back and focus on the positives. Say to yourself, “I’ve worked really hard so there’s no reason for things to go badly” or, “Even if I messed up, it doesn’t mean I’m a failure. I can try again and do better. ” Surround yourself with supportive people as well to help yourself stay positive. Try to spend your free time with people who are positive and supportive, and limit your time with people who are negative or critical.
Engaging in a hobby is also a great way to make friends and meet others who have similar interests with you. If you don’t have a hobby, think of something that interests you that you’d like to try. Maybe you’d like to pick up ice skating or karate or knitting.
Make time for your friends, even when you’re busy. A once-a-month volleyball night or karaoke night can help you connect with others and have a great time. Stay connected with your family. Whether you have children or are near your extended family, make time for the meaningful relationships in your life. Plan activities around holidays such as meals or game nights.
Think of all of the things you want from a job and rank them in order of importance to help guide your search and decision making. Focus on what you really value, as well as what makes you feel excited and engaged. Then, try to think of what careers might suit you based on that. [7] X Expert Source Dawn Smith-CamachoCareer & Life Coach Expert Interview. 13 May 2020. Work-life balance is different for everyone. The important thing is figuring out what works for you. [8] X Expert Source Colleen Campbell, PhD, PCCCareer & Life Coach Expert Interview. 28 March 2019. Leave work at work. This may mean leaving your laptop at your desk and not bringing it home or disconnecting emotionally from difficult situations that happen at your workplace. Don’t dwell on office disputes or “bad days” at the office. If your job feels unbalanced in your life, make some changes. You can discuss adjusting your hours, increasing your pay, or transferring to a different department or another job. If this make you anxious, then you may want to work on some assertiveness training. You can do this on your own, such as by reading books or rehearsing what you will say with a friend, or you can work on becoming more assertive with the help of a therapist.
If you’re not sure how you connect with spirituality, explore different paths and find one that you connect with well. Check out a church, synagogue, mosque, meditation center, or read spiritually-oriented books. Talk to others who have a spiritual practice and ask them how it contributes to their lives.
If you tend to let your mind run free at night, calm your thoughts. Remind yourself that you can address problems in the morning and allow your mind to disengage from worries and stresses. Try jotting down what is bothering you and then you can rest assured that you won’t forget it. Keep a pen and notepad by your bed so that you can do this.
If you’re starting a fitness or exercise program, speak with your physician prior to starting to make sure you are healthy enough to participate. Start slowly and work your way toward more intensity.
If the thought of eating more veggies annoys you, find simple ways to add them to your meals. For example, micro chop veggies and add them to pasta, enchiladas, or dipping sauce. If you don’t enjoy salads, a daily smoothie can help you consume fruit and can help hide greens. Grab a handful of spinach and mix it with your smoothie. While it will likely change the color, it shouldn’t affect the taste. Add a scoop of pea protein for a sustained energy boost! Make sure to work meal planning and grocery shopping into your schedule every week.
If you have an addiction, seek treatment. See a counselor or therapist or enroll in an addiction program.
