In today’s fast-paced world, juggling work and your personal commitments can seem like a see-saw unequally weighted to the former. With constant online access, work isn’t just confined to the office any more. Emails at all hours, Skype conference calls in the wee hours of the morning … combine this with an increasingly demanding work culture in the office – long hours, phones ringing off the hook, unrealistic deadlines … and you’ve got a recipe for an unhealthy work-life balance. Yes, work is meant to be a challenge. You need to work hard to succeed. You go to work to be busy, etc. but, if you don’t maintain a healthy balance, you’re going to end up with a one-way ticket to a stressed-out existence. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is not only important for your personal health and relationships, it can also improve the efficiency of your performance at work. Work-life balance might mean something different to every individual, but here are some tips that might help you find a balance that’s right for you. Decide what’s important to you Focus on what is important and be in control by managing how you spend your time. It’s all about perspective. Sometimes just a small change in the way you view things can make a difference. Look after your health “I don’t have time to eat well, exercise and get extra sleep in my jam-packed schedule.” Wrong. Being healthy relieves stress, raises your energy levels, increases your stamina, improves your mental clarity, boosts your immune system, and makes you a more engaged, productive and happier person. Eat healthy, exercise at least three times per week and sleep a minimum of seven hours per night. ‘Me time’ When you plan your week, make a habit of scheduling time for yourself. ‘Me time’ should be totally devoted to doing things that renew your mind, body and spirit. Use it as an opportunity to reduce stress and restore energy. If you don’t allow yourself pockets of personal time, you’ll become overwhelmed and run yourself into the ground. Unplug How often do you spend your ‘free time’ with your nose buried in your phone? How much stress, frustration and difficulty has constantly being ‘plugged in’ caused you? Resist the temptation to let work spill over into your personal life. Disconnect. Regain your passion, energy and creativity. Do something you love Outside of your day-to-day routine, embrace your outside interests and hobbies. According to Dani DiPirro in her renowned Positively Present blog, “even if you think you don’t have the time, having a hobby is worth making time for because of the many emotional, mental and physical benefits. When you’re doing something you love – something you don’t have to do for any other reason that the fact you enjoy it – you feel a rush of excitement and joy.” Do you have a healthy work-life balance? What do you do to maintain it? Please share below. You never know who you may help out!