The Balancing Act: Tips and Tricks to Really Achieving Work/Life Balance by Amanda Kitts, VP of Operations

Is Work Life Balance Real?   

A common theme among high-performing individuals, in virtually any industry, is that we are all busy. In fact, you might say “busy” is the new “successful” – which makes you wonder, is work-life balance real? Can you be successful and rest in the same realm?  

60% of Americans don’t believe it’s possible according to a Pew Research study, where 6 in 10 people reported feeling too busy to enjoy life. For parents, that number climbed over 70%. 

While it may not always feel like it, I believe work-life balance is attainable and it should be a key focus for everyone. The why is obvious – overextending yourself with obligations and goals has real emotional consequences (think heightened anxiety, stress and depression).  

But people tend to lean towards the belief that an eight-hour day of work means eight full hours of productivity – and judge themselves accordingly. Are you guilty of looking at the rings on your Apple Watch and wondering, how have I been at my desk for four hours without getting up? Ever look up at the clock around 3:00 p.m., wondering why you haven’t had lunch yet?  Me, too.  

Turning work-life balance from a buzz phrase to an applied practice means setting boundaries and incorporating changes – and it starts at work. Go with the low-hanging fruit first: Include breaks in your workday.  

Stand up, move, stretch. Get some fresh air and sunshine. Stay hydrated. The work will always be there for you to come back to.  

In yoga, they say the hardest part of practice is making it to your mat. Well, the same can be said for taking breaks. Make it a practice to go out to lunch with your co-workers and do not talk about work! Put your cell phones away or implement a rule that the first person to look at their phone pays the bill for everyone. Simple practices to break up your workday (including leaving your desk!) help you feel less stressed about going home at the end of the day.  

 
Now for my favorite part, home life. Your self-care, your relationships, your personal goals, and dreams! You must really consider what you want to do and commit yourself to doing it – plus set boundaries accordingly – to achieve harmony. Whether you want to hike, create works of art, start a second business or volunteer, you must commit to doing those things after work and on the weekends.   

Plan ahead, book a trainer, make lunch dates, subscribe to a book club, or buy those tickets now for the concerts you want to attend. Set the tone for what matters most and schedule the time off in advance. PTO is part of your compensation packet for a reason – use it! Set the example to your team by also setting boundaries while you are out – don't call, email or text.  

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