Finding a healthy balance between our work, family life, and interests can feel like an impossible goal for many of us. Not only do we have a lack of balance in our lives but millions of Americans are also missing out on critical hours of sleep every day. So, the majority of us are overworked, super stressed, and sleep-deprived. This new way of life is not balanced nor healthy- which can take a critical toll on our lives.
The go, go, go mentality at the office and home causes our stress levels to spike. Stress will actually decrease our productivity, harm relationships, cause us to be depressed or irritable, and also zap our concentration. So is this rush to “get it all done” attitude really worth it?
Finding Balance In Your Life
Constant stress in our lives can actually weaken our immune system. This makes us more susceptible to many ailments from backaches to colds to heart disease. In addition, chronic stress has also been shown to double our chances of having a heart attack!
While a healthy amount of stress can help us perform at our best, it’s important to manage your stress by finding balance in your life. It can be a little tricky getting enough sleep while balancing work/life, but it is definitely worth it when employers and employees see the benefits. When workers are balanced and happy, they are healthier, more productive, and more likely to stay with the company.
Managing Stress
Keeping your stress in check can feel like an impossible task. However, there are a few things you can do to be a little more successful as you try to bring balance into your life. Here are a few tips you may want to consider:
Balancing Your Work Load
- Set goals. Setting goals and being able to meet deadlines helps us feel a sense of control and accomplishment. Studies show that when we have some control in the workplace, the less stressed we are. The key is to be realistic about deadlines and workload. Try making a to-do list, checking off the most important tasks first, and then eliminating unnecessary work. It’s also important to ask for help when needed.
- Be efficient. Large projects often seem impossible, especially when you procrastinate. The next time you face a big project, try dividing it into smaller tasks and then complete each one at a time. Each time you complete a task, take a break or reward yourself in some way. If there are any routines or tasks that are unnecessary, speak with your boss about the possibility of eliminating them.
- Take breaks. Taking a break while at work is often encouraged by many employers. Small breaks will help you deal with stress, be more alert, and make better decisions when it’s time to get back to the grind.
- Pump Up The Volume. Listening to your favorite jams at work will actually help reduce anxiety and stress, promote concentration, and stimulate creativity. Music in everyday life has been shown to also lower blood pressure—so get ready to pump up the volume, your health, and your productivity!
- Communicate. When you feel you’re in a bind, communicate this with your boss and colleagues. Most likely, you’re not alone. Instead of just complaining, suggest some problem-solving alternatives. Seeing an issue from someone else’s perspective can also help reduce your stress.
- Be Kind To Yourself. Give yourself a break and allow yourself to be human. Make mistakes, learn from them, move on, and just do your best!
Balancing Life At Home & Getting Enough Sleep
- Unplug From Work. Working from home can be a great option but it can also burn us out quickly if we have a hard time switching from work mode. Whether you work from home or not, it’s important to recognize the need for personal time.
- Share The Load. Splitting up the chores evenly will help you avoid getting overwhelmed with household responsibilities. Make sure the plan is clearly defined to avoid any confusion or problems.
- Learn To Say No. If you feel stressed when you glance at your calendar, you may be overscheduling activities! It’s important to remember we’re not superhuman and it’s ok to say “no!” Get rid of anything that is not truly beneficial to you or your family.
- Find Support. The support of family and friends can be important to your success, whether at home or work. Those with stronger support systems have a better immune response to illnesses than those without.
- Exercise. In addition to the physical benefits, studies have shown regular exercise can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and can also help individuals deal with life challenges. It can also boost your immune system and limit doctor’s office visits. Make time for yourself to be active whether it’s making it to the gym or taking a walk during lunch. Do something you enjoy and have some fun!
- Get Enough Rest. Yes. Get enough sleep. Eating right and exercising only get you so far. Getting enough quality sleep at the right times can help protect your mental health, physical health, quality of life, and safety.
A Balanced Life Is A Healthy Life-Get Sleep Help Today
At times, life can definitely seem like a balancing act. The trick is to make sure you pay attention to how your body is feeling and take time for yourself. Unplug, unwind and have some fun. Don’t let stress stand in the way of your health and happiness. It’s important not to rely on alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes to cope with stress; they will only cause more problems. If you are feeling overwhelmed and you’re not getting enough sleep, it might be time to seek professional help. At Just Breathe DDS, we can help you find the root causes of the problems you are experiencing. We don’t just treat the symptoms but we treat the core problem, helping you to breathe better, sleep better, and live better! Call Just Breathe DDS, a sleep disorder practice in Coeur d’Alene Idaho today at (208) 500-3030.
References
https://amerisleep.com/blog/insufficient-sleep-united-states/
https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5244-improve-work-life-balance-today.html