In an age of social media, smartphones and tablets, it is becoming increasingly common to work longer hours and stay connected outside of the office via various electronic devices. The need to constantly be available can have significant impact on your sense of ‘work/life’ balance.
“A lot of people are having a more difficult time finding balance in their lives because there have been cutbacks or layoffs where they work. They’re afraid it may happen to them, so they’re putting in more hours,” says psychologist Robert Brooks, PhD, co-author of The Power of Resilience; Achieving Balance, Confidence, and Personal Strength in Your Life.
“But even if you don’t have much control over the hours you have to work, you can ask yourself: In what other ways am I bringing greater enjoyment into my life?” Brooks says. “Focus your time and attention on things you can control.”
Five ways to balance your daily routine:
- Build downtime into you schedule
- Drop activities that sap your time or energy
- Rethink your errands
- Get exercising
- Remember that a little relaxation goes a long way
