Work Life Balance Tips For Tough Economic Times

With stories of economic distress commanding the airways, balance can seem more elusive than ever. But in tough times, it becomes more important that ever to take care of ourselves. It also gives us a great opportunity to reconsider what is most important. Consider these tips for achieving a better balance between your work and the rest of your life.

Work-Life Balance in Tough Economic Times

Tip #1:
Prioritize. If you want balance, you simply must know what your priorities are and make good choices. Consider all the things competing for your time and decide what will stay and what will go. Decide which things are the absolute most important and make sure that is where you spend your time. This is a level of discipline that does not come easily to most people.

Tip #2:
Telecommute. Explore your company's policy regarding telecommuting or flexible hours. Telecommuting even one day a week will immediately pay returns in more time and reduced stress. Sell your boss on what's in it for him/her ""I love my job, and feel I am an asset. I'd like to discuss ways that I can be even more productive. I'm in a not-so-unique situation of caring for my elderly parents (or whatever your particular situation is), and working from home once or twice a week would give me much-needed extra time. I believe I'd be more focused and deliver even higher quality work."

Tip #3:
Control Technology-Don't let it control you. Technology is there to make your life easier, not to rule it. Establish times, like dinner, when your household must remain tech-free. During that hour no one can answer the phones, e-mails or text messages. Let everyone know about your tech free times. This will help you manage the boundaries and be a model to others.

Tip #4:
Create back-up. Having a support system of friends, family, neighbors and co-workers who are willing to jump in and help when something unexpected arises will shift a crisis into a manageable situation. Be willing to reciprocate for them too.

Tip #5:
Schedule Down Time. You won't function well if you are on the go all the time. Schedule time to relax and preserve these appointments with yourself. With money tight, this is the perfect time to shift from spending to finding joy in slowing down and enjoying the little things in life. When we slow down, we discover that much of what we run around doing, isn't as necessary or rewarding as we thought.

Women's Success Coach, Minna Keller, empowers successful professional women with demanding schedules, to achieve better business results faster, AND have more time more fun and less stress.

Minna Keller