Juggling work, home and family life can be stressful on anyone, especially if you’re investing a lot of time in one area of your life and less on other important things like friends and family. Find out how you can have the perfect work life balance and experience the best of both worlds with these 7 essential tips.

1. Recognise your need for a work-life balance

There is no time like the present to start. Assess how much time you spend each day completing individual tasks such as planning for school, marking, exercising or watching TV.  Jot this down each day of the week for one week. At the end of the week you’ll have a clear idea of how you spend the majority of your time.

2. Know your priorities

Plan your time by arranging your daily activities in order of priority.

A: Top priority: absolutely needs to be done today or now, and above all other priorities

B: Medium priority: tasks that should be done today

C: Low priority: tasks that would be nice to do today

D: Lowest priority: tasks you have to do, but ok to attend to them tomorrow or at a later stage

3. Set time aside for yourself and your hobbies

Setting some time aside for yourself is essential for physical and mental wellbeing.  Join a running group, a book club or simply factor in spending some time with your loved ones to achieve the perfect harmony of body and mind.

4. Plan and schedule your time

By now you should have a clear idea of where you spend the majority of your time, and where you will need to invest your time according to your priorities. Map out your new time according to your needs and priorities in a daily timetable. This will help you identify and schedule time for yourself and extra-mural activities in advance to achieve the perfect balance of work and play.

5. Establish boundaries and learn to say no

Master the art of saying “No” to unnecessary tasks and last minute favours that take up time. It also helps you establish healthy boundaries for others to respect your time and request favours within a reasonable time.

6. Remove negative thoughts

Avoid dwelling on negative thoughts that place you in a bad mental space and waste time that could be used to have fun! Avoid getting involved in family and schoolyard gossip. It can be unproductive and harmful.  Instead, try to focus on the positives in your life, along with your future goals to help endure your spirit.

7. Let go and enjoy the moment

Now that you’ve done all the planning to better manage your time, take the time to stop and smell the roses. Let go, relax and enjoy the moment by choosing to live in the moment. Doing this can be destressing, rewarding, and more importantly, gives you the well-deserved time you need to spend with your loved ones.

Sources:  https://thenextweb.com/entrepreneur/2013/08/07/how-to-leave-work-at-work/

https://www.canadianliving.com/life/work/10_tips_to_achieve_a_healthy_work_life_balance.php