A message from Sandy. If you are feeling overworked and finding it more challenging than ever to juggle the demands of your job and home life—–you’re not alone! A lot of people are having a more difficult time finding balance in their lives. Many people are experiencing “overload” at work and may not have much control over the hours they work or additional responsibilities that have been added. But you can ask yourself, “In what other ways am I bringing enjoyment into my life?”  Focus your attention on the things you can control.

Here are a few suggestions to bring a little more balance into your life:

1. Build downtime into your schedule.  When you plan your week, make it a point to schedule time with your family and friends and add in some activities you enjoy. Plan family game night, movie night, or girls night out. You can consider getting up a little earlier in the morning to have some time to yourself, rather than rushing around to get ready and zooming off to work.

2. Drop activities that sap your energy time or energy.  Many people waste their time on activities that add no value—for example, spending to much time perhaps with a co-worker gossiping or venting. Ask yourself, ” Is this really enhancing my day?”  Make the effort to minimize the time spent on these activities.

3. Rethink your errands. Consider whether you can outsource or delegate any of your time-consuming household chores. Could you order your groceries online and have them delivered? Could the neighbor kid mow your lawn or shovel snow?  Try ordering stamps online to avoid the lines at the post office. You could even trade services with friends, like gardening for babysitting services. If you like to cook, you could freeze a few meals and give them to a friend in exchange for wrapping your holiday gifts.

4. Get Moving.  It is hard to make time to exercise when your schedule is jam packed, but ultimately  you get more done by boosting your energy level and ability to concentrate.

5. Remember that a little relaxation goes a long way. Don’t get overwhelmed by assuming that you need to make big changes to bring more balance to your life. Try setting realistic goals, like getting home from the office on time for half the week. Slowly build more activities you enjoy into your schedule, and on a hectic day, don’t forget to give yourself at least 15 minutes to do something that will recharge your battery. Take a bubble bath, read a trashy book, go for a walk, or listen to music. You need to make time for the things that ignite your joy!