Work Life Balance
Why it is impossible to achieve unless we internally shift.
Work-life balance is something that millions of people try an achieve every year with very little success often leading to burnout and overwhelm. What exactly does work life balance mean and why has this become one of the most sought-after ideals of our modern-day world?
Work-life balance is often referred to as balancing the time we spend at work with time spent in our personal lives including time with loved ones, social time and selfcare. The problem with this is we may never actually get a balance between the two, however what is important is how you feel. The truth is it is nearly impossible to achieve balance all the time because there will be time-sensitive deadlines or projects that come up with work and throw the balance off.
So how do we successfully manage this delicate equilibrium between the demands of work and personal life?
Rather than waiting for your external world to give you the balance, they key is understanding that it is an internal job to achieve this balance. So much of this has to do with our perspective on things. What is the story we are telling ourselves and where is your mind right now? Many times, we feel out of balance because our mind and body are disconnected.
Let me explain.
1. Upgrading the ‘story’ we tell ourselves
A mindful approach to your thoughts will help you achieve inner peace and balance. Many times, our inner story is around telling ourselves how hard something is or complaining about the task at hand or the person we need to deal with. A self loving or balanced approach to creating inner peace must first come from changing inner dialogue to more up-lifting and encouraging statements such as:
“I got this.”
“I am strong, and I can handle this.”
“This project might be demanding but I can do it and I am giving myself the necessary breaks I need to recharge.”
“This might feel like a challenge right now, but the answer is always there, and I will figure it out with ease and grace.”
“Right now, I am going to solely focus on work and then tonight when I am home, I will enjoy a wonderful meal with my family.”
If you want to feel better the most effective way is to change your internal story. You will feel better when you change what you tell yourself!
2. Connecting Your Mind and Body – Being Present
Being present is an essential aspect of attaining work-life balance. It means fully engaging and immersing oneself in the present moment, whether at work or in personal life. When you are present, you can give your undivided attention to the task at hand, improving productivity and efficiency. Being present also enables you to connect with others on a deeper level, fostering stronger relationships and social support networks.
In the context of work, being present means focusing on the task at hand, minimizing distractions, and practicing mindfulness. It involves being fully engaged in work-related activities and avoiding multitasking, which can lead to decreased productivity and increased stress. Multitasking is like fracturing your energy trying to divide yourself in pieces leaving you feeling depleted. With singular focus, you can be more present and hence more productive and achieve better outcomes. Ultimately, you will feel better and have a bigger sense of accomplishment allowing you to leave work at work.
Conversely, being present in personal life entails dedicating quality time to loved ones, pursuing hobbies and interests, and taking care of yourself physically and emotionally. It involves setting aside work-related thoughts and concerns and being fully present with family and friends. Set your device aside and engage in activities that promote relaxation and rejuvenation. Being present in personal life helps you recharge your batteries and find fulfillment outside of work. This meditation is helpful in becoming aware of the present moment.
Work-life balance is primarily an internal working that necessitates self-reflection, setting priorities, and making conscious choices. Being present in both work and personal life is crucial for achieving a good balance. By cultivating mindfulness and being fully engaged in the present moment, you can enhance your overall well-being, improve productivity, and foster meaningful connections in all aspects of your life.
by Julie Cass