Maintaining a Work-Life Balance

It's Monday morning again and you wake up feeling like there were no days between Friday and Monday.  You spent your entire week working over time and all you did on Saturday & Sunday was sleep, eat and have a drink or two. Well, I am here to tell you there is this crazy thing called life you have to balance in your working 20’s. How? Four simple steps: relax, connect, have boundaries, and focus.

Relax. Dedicate at least one day a week and one hour each day to doing something for yourself. Whether you're married, single, or a parent, you deserve to have time for yourself. You worked your butt off so why not take the time out to relax, watch your favorite show or talk on the phone with your friends?

Connect. Did you notice I said “TALK” on the phone and not text?  Yes, as crazy as it sounds, get away from anything that projects light from a square screen. Your relationships with family and friends will fulfill you better than any job. What’s even better than just talking? Hanging out with your love ones. My mother always told me, “You can replace your job but you can’t replace your friends and family."

Have Boundaries. Make rules for yourself that are beneficial to your personal growth. If your rule is to leave early on Friday because you need to live your life, do it and make it clear to everyone. Sure, there will be a day when that rule will be broken but don’t break it often. My rule has always been personal health before work. Make rules that are reasonable and will contribute to your happiness.

Focus. If you're like me, you want to take over the world but I notice there is no way I can do this if I am giving my energy to thousands of big projects at once.  I end up giving 10% here and there but never giving my full energy to one thing. Write down all the things you want to accomplish within the year. Now really look at your list, get a calendar and for each month focus on one task.  For example, I wanted to run a 5k, throw a launch party, and launch my website but I didn't accomplish each goal because I dedicated a small percentage of myself to each goal. So, instead of taking on all at once, I focused on one at a time.                 

Working helps you with necessities, such as literally feeding your body but having a work/life balance will feed your soul, making you a happier person at home and at work. So take these tips and live your life because it’s the things you do outside your work life that will fulfill you.

Written by: De Lisa Patterson