by Karen Umrysh

Created on: September 27, 2008   Last Updated: October 07, 2008

Juggling 101: Finding that work/life balance

You're wiping your child's runny nose, watching your dinner burn on the stove, and listening to the ring of the telephone. You glance at the stack of papers sitting on the kitchen table and wonder when your spaghetti sauce became a part of tomorrow's meeting notes. Ah, yes . . . finding that work/life balance. It's right up there with winning the lottery, having lunch with your favorite celebrity, or scoring the winning goal for your favorite sports team. Highly desirable and completely unobtainable. Or is it?

Often a hot topic in any organization, we continuously strive for work/life balance while trying to make ends meet. After all, most of us spend more waking hours at work than we do enjoying what we know as our personal life. Some may have found balance by working from home, being their own boss and setting their own work schedule. This can be a wonderful opportunity, yet it's not ideal for everyone. Nor is it accessible to everyone. Often, we find ourselves wondering what it would be like to be living a perfectly balanced life. But, quite simply, we are doing just that-living-and life, as we know it, will continue to throw obstacles our way.

What to do?

Take care of yourself. The best way to care for your family, your work, your home is to care for your body, mind and soul. Keep up with regular check-ups. Make healthy choices, but treat yourself occasionally. Book an outing with friends at least once a month. Watch a comedy or read a book that makes you let go with laughter.

Take 30 min. away from the office to re-energize. Browse in shops. Enjoy the outdoors. Eat lunch in a favorite spot. Meet a friend for coffee.

Allow yourself time to indulge. Throw on some favorite tunes when making lunches. Catch up on a reality TV show when folding laundry. Soak in a luxurious bath while reviewing your lines for tomorrow's presentation.

Be a creative planner. Plan your work wardrobe for the entire week. Visit quick-recipe websites and prepare meals in advance. Set aside the same day every month to pay bills.

Use the power of positive thinking. Cherish the fact that you're alive and well. Take pride in your role as a parent, spouse, leader, teacher, service provider. Celebrate your achievements.

Stay in touch with who you are. Reserve one hour a week for your favorite hobby. Surround yourself with the things you love most. Keep a journal for your thoughts.

Everyone is seeking the "ideal" situation. Taking ownership of your current one will empower you to open your mind to opportunity. And as for finding that work/life balance, you may be surprised to find that you're already there!

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