#WellnessWeds: How to Lower Your Stress and Balance Work and Life
Angela Jenkins
| 3 min read
Although most Americans can relate to being somewhat out of balance between work and life, it is possible to achieve balance. I must warn you, it will take work, and maybe a lot of it, depending on how much needs to be balanced. This is also going to take a little of extra time in the beginning but trust me please, it is completely worth it!
Time After Time
For me, time is a big issue. Most days, I feel like there aren’t enough hours to get everything done before and after work in my family life. Planning ahead and organizing is my way of trying to beat these stressful situations of running late.
If time management is an issue for you, start by completing this Time Use Chart for one week. This will show your time is being spent throughout your week. Adjustments can be made once you can see the big picture.
Sweet and Simple
Learning how to simplify your life can be a huge investment in your health. When your life is continuously hectic, busy and disorganized, you experience a lot of unwanted and additional stress. As we know, stress can cause health problems, fatigue and overall lower life satisfaction.
Here are some easy ways to simplify your life:
- Rethink your morning and evening rituals: Are there small tweaks that you can make to save time for the next day? I like to set out my clothes the night before so I don’t have to worry about it in the morning. I can’t believe how much time it saves me!
- Make over your errands: Group your errands by locations to save time and energy.
- Downsize your schedule: Get rid of activities that drain your energy.
- Enlist help: Ask your partner or kids to help with chores around the house.
- Schedule time for you: Giving yourself a little time each day to unwind is great mentally, physically and emotionally. You owe it to yourself and your family to do this, you will be better for it.
- Keep moving: Exercise will increase your energy to complete extra tasks or errands. Be sure to schedule your daily or weekly exercise and be accountable to yourself (or others if that helps) and stick to your exercise appointments.
Here are some other timesavers:
- Pack lunches for you and your family the night before.
- Get clothes out and ready for the next day the night before (iron if necessary).
- Plan meals ahead for one week and prepare your grocery list. Knowing what meals you’re going to cook each night and having all the necessary ingredients will save time going to the grocery store and thinking of what to cook each night.
- Cut fruit and veggies and put in snack-size containers or baggies when you get home from the grocery store so they will be ready for the week to grab and go.
- Cook extra meat at dinner and use for lunch the next day.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times — that way you won’t be in a hurry and be low on gas.
- Give your kids baths or showers at night. This will be a big time saver in the morning.
- Get up 30 minutes early every day. This will help for anything unexpected that may come up.
I have done most of what I suggested above and believe me, these tips do save time! I feel much better and am more relaxed in the morning. It feels much better starting the day relaxed and not stressed.
Do you have any time-saving tips to share?
Photo credit: orangebrompton
