Rethinking Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance. What if it’s not what we think it is? I used to think it meant schoolwork could be contained within the school day. Ideally, I would have energy and time left over to do non-school-related activities in the evenings and on the weekends. But, using this definition, I still haven’t reached a work-life balance. Schoolwork often spills out of my school day and into other parts of my life.   

Fortunately, I have great news! I found a new definition. According to Google, work-life balance means “achieving a healthy equilibrium between professional and personal life, managing responsibilities in a way that minimizes stress and promotes overall well-being.”

It turns out that it has nothing to do with keeping work hours within a certain time of day. It has everything to do with how you manage your time to take care of yourself so you can manage your stress.

It reminds me of airplane safety. It’s best to put on your own oxygen mask before you help others. The same is true with achieving work-life balance. When you take care of yourself, you feel happier and healthier, and more capable of taking care of others.

When we define it this way, a work-life balance can exist. Here are four strategies to help you make it happen:

1. Make Sleep a Priority

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults ages 18-60 get seven or more hours of sleep; adults ages 61-64 get seven to nine hours of sleep; and adults ages 65 and older get seven to eight hours of sleep.   

Make sleep more comfortable. Splurge on a new pillow. Try out a sound maker. Avoid caffeine at night. Start winding down at a certain time. Set a bedtime for yourself and stick to it. Guard your sleep. It is precious, and so are you.  

When you feel rested, you’ll be more prepared to handle whatever comes your way. And, as a school counselor, we know it could be anything.

2. Let Go of Perfection

Is making things “just right” slowing you down? Does it cause you to run out of time for other things that are important?

Try GETMO, a technique introduced by Craig Groeschel. It stands for “Good Enough To Move On.” There are things we do that don’t have to be perfect. But sometimes we keep working on them until they are. Instead, save yourself some time by working on them until they are good enough—not perfect—and then move on.

3. Think about Your Circle of Control

Are you spending time and energy on things that you can’t control? If so, refocus. Spend your time and energy on things you can control. Let go of the things you can’t. You will find that you feel more productive when you focus on what you can control.

4. Make Time to Recharge – Fill Your Bucket

You spend so much time filling other people’s buckets. But what about yours? When your bucket is full, you feel happier and less stressed.

Try out hygge (pronounced HOO-gah). This is a Danish concept of feeling cozy and enjoying simple pleasures. Hygge includes warmth and comfort, simple pleasures, presence and relaxation, good company, and gratitude.

Part of our job is to give students what they need to be successful. What do you need to include in your life to be successful?  

Do you need to go for a walk or do some yoga or work on a puzzle? Do you need to cook or bake or call a friend? Do you need a moment to enjoy a sunset or a cup of tea? Do you need to go on a trip or go to the library? Make room in your life for doing things that give you joy. Make time for hygge.

Sometimes in life we soar and sometimes we crash. Either way, it’s best that we put on our own oxygen mask first. When we take care of ourselves, we will be more prepared and able to take care of others. It’s your turn. Which strategy will you try first to build your work-life balance?