How to Bring More Balance to Your Life and Career

Research shows that more men and women are reporting increased levels of stress in their lives, despite the ways technology has made many of our daily tasks quicker, easier, and simpler to perform. This increased level of stress is taking a toll on our health, our personal relationships, and our careers.

There are, however, steps we can take to bring more balance to our personal and work lives, and if you struggle with maintaining a healthy and stress-free personal life consider the following ideas for achieving a healthy work-life balance:

Unplug and turn off your laptop and mobile. 

Make a plan to turn off your work phone or log off your email at a specific time each day. This will make it easier for you to succeed, rather than distracting you with your email when you want focus on personal time. In addition, consider setting aside at least one day each weekend to go without your electronic devices.

Get physical and move. 

Incorporating some physical activity throughout your day will help alleviate stress and increase your energy levels. If you work at a desk all day try spending some time—if even only 10 minutes—standing while you work, and take regular walks, if possible.

Spend time outdoors. 

Regular time outside, among clean air, grass, flowers, trees, lakes, and streams has been shown to reduce stress. Take a walk or run before work in the morning or bike through a nearby park in the evenings.

Become energized by your food. 
An important way to gain balance in your life is to eat food that energizes you rather than ingesting foods and drinks that have too much sugar, caffeine, or alcohol. Drink a lot of water and snack on nuts, fruit, and vegetables throughout the day.     

Reduce stress with meditation and sleep. 
Even a simple and brief practice of meditation in the morning can bring significant benefits to your work and personal life, and can greatly reduce stress, while helping you focus on what you’re grateful for in your life. The importance of adequate amounts of sleep cannot be overstated. Focusing on those two areas—adequate sleep and a meditation practice—can set you up for greater success throughout your day.