It's All About Balance

It often amazes me how some people manage their time. I see women who tend to the normal 9-5 job, parent their children, make dinner, find time to workout and still somehow manage to be alive? I finish my normal days of work and even the simplest task like taking my makeup off at the end of the night seems impossible (ok maybe that’s a bit dramatic but hey, welcome to my world). It truly shocks me how some people really fit their life into the short 24 hours we are given each day. 

I’m going to be completely honest with you, I’m one hell of a lazy person. I’ve always been that person that will try to work smarter rather than harder, even as a child I always figured out some way to make tasks easier or getting others to do things for me.. I was pretty good at bribing my friends or my sister to do stuff in return for cookies, and HA they usually FELL FOR IT. 

For me, balancing a 9-5 job, freelancing, blogging and still maintaining a social life is tricky at times. While trying to keep up with these tasks, I’ve thankfully learnt a few tips that have really helped me balance
my time. 

Here are a few helpful tips and ideas that have helped me improve my work-life balance.

1. Say no and stop over promising. Going out with your gals is great, however sometimes we need to take time for ourselves and just say no. 

2. Set time aside for a work-free space. Unless your boss has specifically asked you to be available 24/7, you don’t need to be.

3. Turn it off. Making your space a tech-free zone helps focus your attention to more important things.

4. Make a list. Writing your chores or tasks down can help you visualize what you need to do, and help you feel less overwhelmed. 

5. Take that list and prioritize. Cross off the tasks that can be done later or that aren’t as pressing.

6. Schedule a few relaxing activities each week.

7. Ask for help. Be realistic with your time, if you can’t fit everything in, there is nothing wrong with asking for help.

8. Exercise! It’s a great way to destress and you’ll feel regenerated afterwards. 

9. Sleep. Your body needs roughly 7 hours of sleep each day.

10. Step away when you feel overwhelmed. A 5 minute water break won’t kill ya and can bring clarity.

Now I’m no professional life coach, however, these suggestions (or strategies) have helped me tackle my days in a productive and mostly stress-free manner. Find whatever routine works best for you and follow it the best that you can. It’s not about time, it’s about energy. Manage that and everything else will get done.