“Want to move ahead. But the boss won’t seem to let me. I swear sometimes that man is out to get me, hmmm today’s bustling world, having a balance between work and life has become more crucial than ever.” 9 to 5 sung by Dolly Parton
“Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” — also by Dolly Parton
1. Mental and Emotional Well-being: Maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life can alleviate stress, prevent burnout, and nurture our mental and emotional well-being. It allows us to recharge, relax, and find joy in activities beyond the realm of work.
2. Relationships and Connections: Prioritizing time for family, friends, and loved ones creates stronger bonds and nurtures meaningful connections. Work-life balance enables us to be present, attentive, and engaged in our relationships, fostering a deeper sense of connection and support.
3. Personal Growth and Fulfillment: A balanced life empowers personal growth, enabling us to pursue hobbies, passions, and self-care practices. Engaging in activities outside of work nurtures creativity, personal development, and a sense of fulfillment beyond professional achievements.
But is it even possible? There used to be a separation between work life and personal life. There were the hours you worked and the hours you didn’t work; an office for work and space where you didn’t work. Today, many of us have the ability to be constantly connected to work.
It’s no surprise that more than one in four Americans describe themselves as “super stressed.”
I like to use the word, aligned. I am aligning myself. This will change from time to time. It is like the analogy, you are juggling a bunch of glass balls. Which ones will you drop first. From time to time we will need to focus more on home life, then it can change and focus will be on work life, then maybe it will be personal life, free time, hobbies, etc. We have to see which area needs the most love and attention at that time. For me, as a female entrepreneur, my attention and priority will always be my kids right now. At least until they are in college and out of the house. This is what is right for me but others will have to figure out what works best for them.
Strategies for Achieving Work-Life Balance:
1. Establish Priorities: Identify your core values and priorities in life. Figure out time and energy accordingly to ensure that your essential needs and aspirations are addressed both personally and professionally.
2. Set Boundaries: Clearly define boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid excessive overtime, establish dedicated “me time,” and communicate your availability to colleagues and loved ones to create a healthy separation.
3. Practice Self-Care: Dedicate time for self-care activities that nourish your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Engage in mindfulness practices, yoga, exercise, or any other activity that helps you recharge and rejuvenate.
4. Delegate and Seek Support: Learn to delegate tasks and responsibilities when possible, both at work and home. Seek support from family, friends, or professionals to lighten your load and create more space for personal time.
Nikki Lanigan
Nikki Lanigan is a yoga, HIIT, and Barre instructor, she is also a Holistic Health Coach through Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Nikki is trained in Yoga Shred, Yoga Psychology, meditation, chakra balancing, and EFT/Tapping. She has done trainings with Sadie Nardini and Ashley Turner. She got her 200 hour yoga teacher training in 2017 at the Carrie Treister School Of Yoga. Nikki takes a holistic view of health, helping her students and clients reach a place of self-love not just through movement, but with mindset and lifestyle guidance as well. Nikki is also show prep writer for The McVay Media Show Prep and host of the podcast Fit, Fun, and Frazzled. Connect with Nikki on Instagram. www.instagram.com/nikkilanigan.yogaandwellness www.instagram.com/fitfunandfrazzledpodcast
