Running a business has many challenges, sometimes it can feel a lonely path trying to do everything with little support. It's so easy to get bogged down in the day to day running and neglect the down time needed to regroup and refresh. It is vital for us to find the time to keep our mind and bodies healthy, happy and contented. You can take some simple steps to help find that balance.  Focus on one thing at a time and make small changes that work over a period of time.  There are great business and life coaches available to help keep that focus and find that balance.

 

Steps to help find your perfect work-life balance

Decide what's important

 

Spend time reflecting on what is important to you and make a list of your top priorities at work and at home. What do you want to change? Start with one or two things – don’t overwhelm yourself.

 

Set some goals

 

Use your list to set some goals. Remember to block out time for the things you want to achieve.

 

Plan, plan, plan!

 

Set aside 10 to 20 minutes each day to plan your day or the next day.  There are so many great scheduling tools now available. 

 

Set non-negotiables 

 

Choose what you won’t compromise on and clearly communicate it. If you need to get to sports training for the kids on a Tuesday make it happen. Stop checking your emails or phone during your family time. Take a deep breath and leave the phone in the car.

 

Look after your health

 

Take care of yourself by eating healthy meals and get some exercise. Learn to meditate or join a sports team or walking club to hold you accountable. Whatever you enjoy make the time to do it.

 

Family and friends

 

Family and friends are our greatest support systems. Nurture these relationships as they bring grounding, love and satisfaction to our lives. They are sometimes the only ones who will tell us the truth about a situation. Treat those relationships with the respect they deserve.

 

Take time for yourself

 

Try to take time for yourself during each day.  Whether it is walk in the park or an early morning swim.  A great exercise is to get to the park at lunch time, take your shoes off and walk in the grass. 

 

Leave work at work

 

After leaving at the end of the day leave work there and focus on life after work.  Try not to check emails or take phone calls.  If you can’t manage the withdrawal all at once start with one day a week.

 

Know when to ask for help

 

If you are overwhelmed don't suffer in silence.  Talk it out with a friend or find a business coach/mentor to help with planning some down time.  There are so many great resources available. 

 

Lastly revisit your goals and priorities regularly and change as needed. 

 

Enjoy the journey and remember it takes time to change, so be kind to yourself.