The Truth About Work-Life Balance
You’ve heard the phrase “work-life balance:” you know, that magical place where everything in your life is in perfect harmony. There are enough hours in the day, you’re never rushed and stress doesn’t exist. Unicorns prance around gallantly while money falls endlessly from the sky!
Sound familiar? Didn’t think so.
No such place exists. Except maybe in fairytales. Or Hallmark movies.
The idea of “work-life balance” is great but it’s deceiving. There is no ‘magical place’ to get to. There are not enough hours in the day and there sure as hell are no unicorns (surprise!).
It’s not something to be achieved but rather an ongoing process that often feels like a tight-rope walk where every step you take could be your last.
(I know, I’m making this sound AMAZING.)
But here’s the thing: while there’s no secret to balancing the daily grind of life, there are ways to make this journey less stressful. And maybe even more enjoyable! Life does not have to suck and this elusive thing we call “work-life balance” can actually be something good.
So I’m sharing a few of my top tips to help you navigate the ebb and flow of the daily rollercoaster.
Tip 1: Set Limits.
One of the first things I always talk about with my clients is the importance of setting limits. We can only handle so much at any given time and we all have a breaking point. Knowing where your boundaries lie and how to effectively enforce those barriers is key to maintaining any semblance of sanity in your day to day routine. Don’t be afraid to be firm. Let your people know when you’re at your max and need time for yourself.
Tip 2: Find Your Passion
Life is short. Too short to be wasting time doing anything that doesn’t fill your soul. There are certainly responsibilities we have to manage as adults (bills, keeping a roof over our head, etc) but that doesn’t mean our entire lives have to be spent doing things we feel pressure to do. The longer we stay in that unfulfilling place, the more unhappy we become and the greater the risk for mental health difficulties. It’s pretty simple: do what makes you truly happy and don’t worry about the haters.
Tip 3: Ditch The Drama
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Drama is draining and no one needs petty bullshit in their lives. Give yourself the permission to let go of anything (or anyone) that’s leaching the energy from your soul. Don’t get caught up in the politics; avoid that temptation you know you’ll regret. Prioritize your health and wellness so you can live according to your true, authentic self.
So the next time you read about balancing all things work and life, remember these tips and that you are 100% capable of handling whatever comes your way,