With the economic crisis filtering globally, we are all faced with the increasingly demanding pressure of juggling our private home lives with our precious source of income, our jobs. For decades we have been eluding into the dream of spending fewer hours at the office and more time enjoying our friends and families without sacrificing the pre-spent paychecks. Most of us are guilty of dabbling in the get-rich quick schemes, putting extra monetary values into the church donations box or swearing undeniably that this time the winning lottery ticket is yours, only to find each year drags into the next and working hours somehow tend to increase.
The harsh reality of the world is inflation, rising prices and two working parents to facilitate a basic standard of living. I know there are a few successful people among us who have managed to ditch the 9-5 (6, 7, 8 or 9 realistically speaking) jobs, to become work from home parents or freelancers continuously jet setting around our exotic world. The truth of the matter lies within nothing is impossible everything you desire can be attained. For the intermediary time though there are simple steps which can help you to manager you working demands with life's little pleasures.
Time Management
This appears to be the most obvious solution to the problem; the sad truth is many people have still failed to manage the art of time management. Allocate your time wisely. Leave your work at work, by creating clear boundaries around which your working time rotates. If you are lucky to work Monday-Friday, use the weekends to spend quality time with your children, plan activities and distract yourself from office politics. Quality time spent with loved ones by far outweighs the quantity of time.
Exercise
I know you already cannot find enough hours in the day to complete your tasks at hand, so how can you possibly afford the luxury of exercise, think again. Exercise promotes endorphin's within our bodies a feel good hormone. Heavy workloads and lack of exercise cause our bodies to become fatigued. Without normal energy levels our bodies are unable to work at an efficient level resulting in lower work quality and out-put. Try engaging in exercise at least three times a week. Yoga and martial arts provide great physical workouts and mind cleansing activities. Include your family within your weekly work out activities. Bike rides with the children or dance classes with your partner can offer excellent alternatives for cardio workouts.
Assessing your workload and acquiring the skill of saying no
Regardless of your rank on the corporate ladder you are more than likely buckling under the excess of work you consistently accept. The two letter word no may at first appear to be nothing more than a word, however, the application of this word within your life can greatly reduce your workload. Learning how to say "no" firmly yet in a non offensive, polite manner will help you achieve a higher level of success. Prioritize your work load do not be afraid to delegate tasks to others within your working team.
Rid your routine
Busy work-life coupled with hectic family life often result in a boring routine. Unknown to ourselves we all somehow slip into mundane routines. Sitting in-front of mind numbing programs all evening or washing, cooking, cleaning and putting the children to bed before collapsing into bed after an exhausting day do not classify themselves as a lifestyle. It is a routine, a trap, one that may at first appear very difficult to escape. Remember everything is possible. Married couples try incorporating a date night into your weekly agenda. Cinema trips, romantic dinners or children with their grandparents for the night will allow for the romance in your relationship to be rekindled. House keeping is an essential aspect of everyone's life but stop sweating over the small things. Involve each member of the house into a cleaning routine; young children can also be included, simple tasks such as tidying away their toys or leaving their dishes in the sink all help ease the pressure of any one person. Allocate a little time for yourself everyday. Simple activities such as rising 10 minutes early to watch the sun rise or, reading your favorite book while soaking in a nice bubble bath all assist in relieving daily stresses and help strengthen your mind for a more productive day
Practical approaches to starting your own home business
If you believe you can have a successful home business before to undergoing such a big step ensure you complete the relevant research firsthand. Discover strong niches within the market that adapt to your individual skills and talents. Weigh the cons with the pros and make an informed decision.
Being married to your job is not a terminally ill sickness. You can change your life if you want. Start with small steps and you will eventually reap large rewards. Balance your life scale.