March 2010 Focus of the Month

Balancing Work & Family

Each of us has only 24-hours per day for the activities of life. How well we create a balance between what we need to do and want to do directly affects our quality of life and overall stress level.

Maintaining balance between work and family is an ongoing process. It can help to step back periodically and assess what you are actually doing. Making adjustments in work-life balance will help you stay focused on the things you most value in life.

Below are some suggestions for creating balance in your life:

1. Remember that your EAP can provide work-life balance assistance. Just call 1-800-236-3231 and our professionals will connect you with a work-life specialist who will provide prompt individualized support and resources. Areas in which we can assist include childcare, eldercare, schools, adoption, and mediation, legal and/or financial concerns.
2. Let your family and co-workers know what your limits are for each, respectively. With clear parameters you'll work more effectively, and your family may be more supportive. When the time is up, stop working and focus on your family. Make vacations strictly off-limits for work.
3. Learn how to switch gears. Turn off your computer at 5:30 p.m. Stop multitasking at dinnertime so you can focus fully on your family members. Make 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. a no-phone zone.
4. Keep the clutter at bay. Prepare a house maintenance schedule and stick to it. A well-maintained house requires less work to keep clean, which results in more time for family and fun.
5. Resist the urge to over-fill your family's time with scheduled activities. Practice, lessons and clubs will keep everyone's calendars full and stress levels high. Allow for completely unscheduled free time every week--even if it feels odd at first.
6. Ask your family to use whatever message system you've set up in your home. Some households use a bulletin board placed in a visible area of the home where family members can post written messages.
7. Use the weekend for a real change of pace. If you work at a computer all day, crank up the volume on the weekend with a bike ride, gardening or a trip to a nearby park. If, however, you're racing nonstop all week long, then bask in quiet indolence come Saturday.
8. Build in time that's just for you. Stay connected with friends.
9. Make it a priority to work out and find a way to make it fun.
10. Do a status check every six months. Review your goals and your priorities. Continue to pare down belongings, commitments and responsibilities until you find a mix that works for you.

References: Ehow.com - How to Balance Home and Work
Other resources: University of Maine - Balancing Work and Family