How to Balance Your Work and Personal Life
Because working yourself to death is not an option.
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Don’t Work Yourself to Death! - Working hard and making money is great, but not when the job takes over your whole life. In order to find balance, it's necessary to create boundaries between work and home. Here's how. By Kellee Terrell (Photo: bilderlounge/Getty Images)
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What Are Your Priorities? - First off, different people value different things. So in order for you to know what to make time for and what to ditch, make a list of the people and things that matter in your life. That way you can create a plan to not let your job damage those things that mean a lot to you. (Photo: Stephen Welstead/LWA/Corbis)
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Don’t Stop Working Out - When you work long hours, the last thing you want to do is hit the gym. But staying healthy and active is a great way to reduce stress, keep a healthy weight and strengthen your heart. What’s the point of being successful at work if you’re too sick and tired to enjoy it? (Photo: Fuse/Getty Images)
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Embrace Those Quiet Moments at Work - In the middle of a crazy day, try taking a short walk to clear your mind or meditating in the conference room for 10 minutes. These little moments can mean a lot for your mental health. (Photo: Sean Justice/Getty Images)
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Learn When to Say 'No' - Wanting to perform well means long hours, doubling up on work, etc. Sometimes you have to say “yes,” but there are times when you have to say “no.” Learn to set boundaries with your bosses, especially about acceptable times to email and call after work hours. (Photo: Jorge Silva /Landov)
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Ask for Help - Finding the right work-life balance isn’t easy. If you are struggling, ask for help. Talk to your coworkers and friends about how they cope and if you feel comfortable, talk to your boss about it, too. (Photo: Artiga Photo/Corbis)
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Respect Your Private Time - Spending time with your loved ones doesn’t mean anything if you’re glued to your cell. Show them that they matter and that you can live in the moment with them. STOP checking emails and texting folks from the job when you are out. (Photo: Jupiterimages/Getty Images)
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Pencil in Some Down Time - You can’t work 24/7 — it isn’t good for you emotionally or physically. So make sure to schedule in a life! Hang out with your girls every now and then. Go visit your parents and, if you’re single, go on some dates. If you have a boo, make sure you are spending some quality time with them. (Photo: Gdt/Getty Images)
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Use Those Vacation Days - Depending on the job you have, you may have paid vacation — up to two weeks. So use it! You don’t have to go far away or do anything expensive. Just turn off the computer and your phone and just chill. (Photo: David Sacks/Getty Images)