by Samantha Rodgers
If the amount of happiness you feel has started lagging behind stress and negative emotions, it’s probably a symptom of a work-life balance that’s out of whack.
Work-life balance is achieved by creating balance in several different areas of your personal development, such as your relationships, career and money, health and personal interests. When one area veers off-course, it can make the rest of the components of your life feel off-kilter, too. Let’s take a closer look at these areas to determine how you can increase your happiness quota with better work-life balance.
- Relationships. Everyone has relationships in their lives. You interact with people at home, at work and socially. Positive relationships will filter into the other areas of your life, increasing your emotional health and your happiness. Whenever relationship stress arises, address it without anger or negative emotion, with the intent at coming up with a solution or compromise. Deal with perpetually negative people by limiting or eliminating your contact with them to avoid having them steal your joy.
- Career and Money. Work and money matters are both topics that throw many people’s lives out of whack. One of the most effective ways to reduce career or money stress is to work from home. Many companies now allow employees to telecommute all or some of the time. Additionally, if you need to earn extra money to balance your budget, part-time or seasonal income earned at home is an effective way to pad your bank account.
- Health. Good physical and mental health affects all the other areas of your life. Take care of yourself by eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of rest and engaging in physical activity. Make these activities fun by including other family members and friends in your healthy lifestyle. Cook together with your partner or children, and schedule walks or jogs with friends to move your body and enjoy some social time simultaneously.
- Personal Interests. Hobbies and personal interests are often the first things to fall by the wayside when other areas of life become more demanding. But even 15 or 30 minutes per day spent enjoying a hobby or favorite activity can add to your happiness and the fulfillment you get from life. Schedule time regularly to read, be crafty or do whatever it is that you enjoy. Investing time in yourself and your interests is not a selfish activity, but rather an investment in your personal happiness.
Happiness is an important part of life, and it’s something you can maintain with conscious effort.
Whenever your level of happiness takes a dive, stop and consider the four areas outlined here to see where you might be off-balance. Avoid suffering from work-life imbalance by checking in with yourself regularly to ensure that everything is as it should be. When it’s not and you’re unable to rectify the situation by yourself, there’s no shame in asking for help. Family members, friends and professionals can impart knowledge and wisdom that helps you live a happier, more fulfilling life.
About the Author: Samantha Rodgers is a guest contributor who writes about issues related to health & well-being and personal development, most especially about healthy diet and fitness health. She is also currently writing about medical trials and becoming a member of a volunteer pool alongside her health and fitness interests.
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