Work-life balance.

Jo Campling gives some strategies below!

WORK-LIFE BALANCE: a few tips….

It’s important to work out the fundamentals:

	what do you have control over?
	what’s beyond your control?

Focus on what you do have control over – and can change.

Some of the following may help you when you’re thinking about what you can begin to alter, to create a better work-life balance for yourself…

Do you spend large amounts of time worrying about work when you could be relaxing or enjoying quality non-work time?

Could this indicate an over-conscientious approach to your work, linked to under-confidence?

Perhaps it would help to ask a trusted friend or colleague to take some time with you to identify all that you are doing well – there will be plenty you simply haven’t taken into consideration until you really put yourself in the spotlight. Having someone else’s point of view will help you to avoid being unrealistically critical of yourself.

Are you confident but impossibly perfectionist in your work?

Consider what you could allow yourself to be less stringent about, whilst still getting the job done satisfactorily. LOOK FOR ROLE MODELS IN PEOPLE AROUND YOU.

Do you find it difficult to say no when you are asked to take on extra workloads?

If so, do you know or work with any people who are good at managing this? What could you learn from them?

Do you feel uncomfortable asking for advice and support?

Who’s around to give you sound advice and support, formally or informally?

Remember that we all have a right to ask for this, and will probably be appreciated for being proactive about challenges we are facing.

How balanced is your life outside work?

Often, having an interest or hobby which is fully absorbing is more relaxing and energising than doing very little in the hope that this will be the antidote to overwork.

Do you have an interest or hobby you’d like to start, or one that you’ve neglected? Why not make it a priority to begin on a specific date within the next month, or in the next school holidays?

Remember not to over-commit to your new hobby in a burst of enthusiasm. Be realistic about taking small, sustainable steps as you get started.

Do you find it difficult to wind down before going to sleep?

It can be helpful to create a simple routine for yourself, which delineates the activity of the day from your rest time.

Obvious as it may seem, it can be helpful to play restful music for 20 minutes or so before going to bed.

Dimming the lighting can also be relaxing.

Putting a few drops of lavender essential oil in your bath, or on your pillow is often a very effective way of ensuring a relaxed night’s sleep.