Work Life Balance

Jenna on 08 31, 2010

Work Life Balance

It suddenly hit me today that it’s seriously already September. My laptop wallpaper is still saying “Happy Valentines Day.” My nails are all messed up. It’s been more than couple months last time when I played squash. I’ve been only seeing my best friends merely once a month.

I still haven’t done my tax. I need to renew my SIN card and OHIP card. Still haven’t registered for the driver’s license test.

I’ve been working hard. But whenever I leave work and come home, I feel like there’s still so much more left to do. Something is chasing me. Every morning, it gets harder and harder to wake up. Seriously, what’s happening to me?

My dear family and friends always tell me, “Jenna, you gotta keep your work and life balance! It’s important!”

Yes, Yes, Yes. I know it’s important. And I want to keep my work and life balanced. But why is it so difficult to do? What are the lacking skills of me that make it so hard?

So… I’ve done some research.

First, I found this quiz. And my score was “2″

CMHA Work/Life Balance Quiz

Your Score 2: Your life is out of balance – you need to make significant changes to find your equilibrium.  But you can take control!

Hm… And here’s some tips they gave me.

At Work

• Schedule brief breaks for yourself throughout the day. Your productivity and effectiveness will increase if you take even a ten-minute break every two hours and overall, you will get more accomplished.
• At the end of each day, set your priorities for the following day. Be realistic about what you can achieve in the time you have available.
• Only respond to email once or twice a day. Then, shut off your email program to avoid being distracted as messages come in.
• Make a distinction between work and the rest of your life. Protect your private time by turning off electronic communications.   Don’t be available 24/7.
• Address concerns about deadlines and deliverables early. As soon as you see that a deadline is unrealistic, communicate your concern to your employer – don’t wait until the deadline passes.
• Take all of your allotted vacation time. Taking vacation allows you to come back to work refreshed and more productive.

At Home

• Create a buffer between work and home. After work, take a brief walk, do a crossword puzzle, or listen to some music before beginning the evening’s routine.
• Decide what chores can be shared or let go. Determine which household chores are critical and which can be done by someone else.  Let the rest go.
• Exercise. Even if it’s only for 15 minutes at a time, you’ll feel more energized and refreshed.
• Create and implement a household budget. Start by setting aside some money from each pay cheque for the future.
• Make healthy food choices. Healthy eating will gives you and your family more energy.
• Pursue a hobby. Either with friends or family or for some quality time on your own.

Seriously? I actually laughed. Imagine, if I only reply the emails only once or twice a day. LOL…. The tips for work are not realistic at all.

But the tips for home, I think some of them are actually useful. Exercise.. Yes, for sure. I did feel way better when I played squash regularly. Nice dinner makes me feel better. I do love to start going for cooking classes or learn French.

I do love my job. And I am very happy that my work is actually something I am really good at and enjoy doing. But I think, sometimes I push myself too hard. I get too passionate and over deliver. I love delivering a good quality work but I need to learn how to cut the corners… Seriously, I need to learn it.

Ok. This Friday, I am going to renew my SIN card and Health card. I’m going to get my hair cut and get my nails done. Go to shoe repair shop and get whole bunch of shoes repaired. Oh, should do laundry and  go to drycleaner. Clean my home… and read some books. Hm. I’m making unrealistic plans again.

Couple quotes I found during my research. Well… Well… All sounds good. But seriously, I need to make some changes.

“Our lives are a mixture of different roles.
Most of us are doing the best we can to find whatever the right balance is . . .
For me, that balance is family, work, and service.”
Hillary Rodham Clinton

“Life is like riding a bicycle.
To keep your balance you must keep moving.”
Albert Einstein

“Balance in your life between work and your personal life is very important.
Without balance, you eventually burnout negatively
affecting your performance at work.”
Byron & Catherine Pulsifer, from What Are the Benefits to Me?

“We need to maintain a proper balance in our life by
allocating the time we have. There are occasions where
saying no is the best time management practice there is.”
Catherine Pulsifer, from We Never Seem to Have Enough Time

“Most of us are trying to balance work, home, and a family life.
We tend not to accept the early symptoms of burnout and
carry on our daily lives.”
Yasmeen Abdur-Rahman, from Recognize the Early Signs of Burnout

“A well-developed sense of humor is the pole that adds
balance to your step as you walk the tightrope of life.”
a balance quote from William Arthur Ward

“I’m not suggesting you deny or suppress your emotions,
but just discover for yourself what it takes for you to
handle your emotions and stay balanced.”
Wendy Hearn, from 7 Lessons For Your Life and Business From Wimbledon

“Just as your car runs more smoothly and requires less energy to go
faster and farther when the wheels are in perfect alignment,
you perform better when your thoughts, feelings, emotions, goals,
and values are in balance.”
Brian Tracy