Take steps to find balance and say 'yes' to what really matters

Did you know that more than half of Americans report having an unhealthy work-life balance? (See bit.ly/EHSworklife ). This imbalance, which affects virtually every industry (not just health care), represents a serious issue:

“Economic value is fundamentally intertwined with employee well-being, and that’s why human sustainability should be at the top of every corporate agenda,” says Paul Silverglate, Deloitte’s technology sector vice chair, in an “Environmental Health & Safety” magazine article (bit.ly/EHSwellbeing ).

Restore balance at work

In other words, it is in employers’ best interest to help employees — and themselves — find work-life balance. Is the solution to enhance this balance by providing more vacation, a shorter work week, or making certain everyone goes home on time without bringing work home? According to many, the answer is “yes” to one or even all the above.

Tips for home...and beyond

While you can’t control your team members’ home lives, you can help them see the importance of giving their best at the office, then leaving it there and doing the same at home. An article on HelpGuide.org (bit.ly/HelpGuideBurnout ) provides these tips to share with your team to help prevent burnout and encourage work-life balance:

1. Turn to other people. Reach out to those closest to you to share challenges you may have, make friends at work, and limit contact with negative people. Connect with groups (such as a church group or sports team) that bring meaning to you, and focus on giving to others. Something as simple as a kind word or smile can help lower stress.
2. Reframe how you look at work. Find value in your work. Volunteer for work that brings you joy. Take time off to recharge and recover.
3. Re-evaluate priorities. Set boundaries by saying “no” to the things that bring you down. Turn off technology, allowing yourself time to relax and be creative. Prioritize sleep — it can change everything for the better. Study emotional intelligence to boost your ability to stay on task and limit your reactiveness. And nourish your creative side by trying something new or resuming a favorite hobby.
4. Prioritize exercise. The HelpGuide.org article reports that a 10-minute walk will improve your attitude for two hours. Shoot for 30 minutes a day of rhythmic exercise (moving arms and legs), even if broken up into smaller segments. While you walk, think positive thoughts (or listen to an uplifting podcast).
5. Use healthy diet to support your mood and energy levels. Reduce carbs and attitude-dropping foods and increase your intake of mood-boosting omega-3 fatty acids.

Take the first step

If you find you need to get your work-life balance back, first, stop and evaluate your needs. If you need a trained professional, find one. Once you see this bigger view, you can make the changes mentioned above. Statistics show a person can come out of “burnout” in as little as two weeks. For others, it may take a little longer.

Say 'yes' to what matters

Remember, every profession poses the risk of stress. It is up to us to say “yes” to what really matters and “no” to the rest. Begin today. Enjoy the positive difference it will make in your life going forward. Then, pass it on to your team, your family, and your friends. OM

Email: drapriljasper@gmail.com

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