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9 Ways Busy Women Master Work/Life Balance!

Jul 24, 2016 | Fitness, HIIT

For most people in the workplace, work-life balance seems about as real as a unicorn. In fact, in today’s fast paced, digitally connected era it is becoming more and more difficult to break free of work, family and friends with every connection being readily available through a smartphone that rarely leaves your side even when you are sleeping.

Balance can be especially challenging for those who travel a lot for their career. And, the struggle can take its toll in a number of ways–fatigue, stress, poor health, and lost time with loved ones and friends. One of the first areas cut from a busy woman’s agenda is, commonly, working out.  This is a disaster for every aspect of your life – energy levels slump, kilos pile on and self esteem can take a real hit if the balance is not restored FAST.

But, as someone who has worked with many, many busy women and run a highly successful business while staying in shape, I’m here to tell you work-life balance isn’t a myth. It’s real! And, you can have it, too.

Follow these nine simple steps and get closer to a happier, more balanced life:

1. Define “Balance”

Work/life balance means something different to every woman.  If you are juggling family commitments your definition of balance will be very different to the professional women with no children.  You have to know what balance means to you. Is it being home for dinner three nights a week? Only traveling a certain number of days a month? Climbing Mt. Everest someday? Working a 15 hour week or a 40 hour week – what is it you want to do and how are you going to achieve it? When you know what you want out of life, you can create a clear plan to achieve these goals.

2. Set Boundaries at Work

Once you know what you want, you have to set expectations in the workplace to achieve these goals. Maybe you’re home early three afternoons a week, but you’re available during certain hours after the kids go to bed. Maybe explore different fulfilling career opportunities or work from home opportunities and work your fitness schedule around your work hours (or visa versa if your work is flexible). Is it just going to bed one hour earlier to wake earlier in the morning to make a 5.20am class at the beach with the Vixens?

Decide what types of situations you really need to respond to in your personal time and learn how to say “no”, delegate more to your team (or make your clients aware of a more realistic turn around time). Another option is creating a job-share with coworkers.

With access to work emails from your mobile phone set up clear boundaries with your staff and up-line managers that, yes, they may email you out of office hours but you won’t be actioning any requests until an appropriate time. Smartphones have a fantastic “Do Not Disturb” function that you can utilise during the night for a restful sleep or block out time for exercise, dinner with the family or your kids activities that require you to be of present mind.

3. Be Proactive at Home

Just as you set boundaries at work, you need to set boundaries at home. Talk to your family and significant other about what’s important to you about having and achieving your fitness goals and attending your set group fitness or personal training sessions. Make sure your partner is on board especially if you have children that you need their help with.  This can help avoid children or partner resentment when those events arise.

4. Walk the Talk

Don’t preach about work-life balance and then send emails in the middle of the night, regularly stay late at the office, and text your team members at off hours.

Managers are often unaware how their own behaviour unintentionally sets the standard for the team. People may feel they too have to respond in the middle of the night, stay late until the boss leaves, and be responsive at all times during the week.

5. Radiate Positive Energy

One of the best ways to avoid excessive stress is to put a smile on your face. You’ll create a more easy going atmosphere in your workplace and at home. A friendly “good morning” or a “please” and “thank you” can often work wonders for everyone you come into contact with.

6. Communicate Openly

Honesty is always best in the long run. Let your circle of people be it at work or at home know what causes you stress, what workload you can master without difficulty, and how much time or help is required on a project. This can ensure your needs are met while getting the best results out of your work time and decreasing opportunities for stress.

7. Be aware of your Limits and take Breaks

Lunch at the computer? No, thank you. If you want to fight stress, you need time to recharge. So be sure to plan regular breaks. A brief change of location, fresh air, a walk around the block or a conversation with colleagues can provide new strength. In an acute stress situation, it is helpful to take a break and to take a few deep breaths.

8. Laugh

Humour makes us strong and resilient. Laughing with others is not just fun, but helps us bond with one another. The next stress situation is only half as bad then because the team shares the burden.

9. Get Moving

Even if you feel exhausted after a long work day, just a little exercise ensures an increase of energy and stress relief. Exercising wakes us up and clears our minds. We feel more fit and alive. And a positive side effect–with the right exercise, you can avoid muscle strain and back pain! 

The hardest part of any workout is putting on your active wear and getting your butt to class.  Once you are there everything will flow and the exercise endorphins take over. You just have to get there!  

Finding a balance between the demands of your job and the rest of your life is likely to be an ongoing endeavor, but one that’s worth it. After all, this is your one and only life.

One of the best and most under-utilised stress busters is EXERCISE.  There is nothing more rewarding and de-stressing than a good KICKFIT or BOXFIT class to smash those frustrations away.

If you want to check out exactly how exercise can smash your stress levels and create more balance in your life sign up for our 7 day Intro Week offer for just $10! This price will be increasing mid August so grab this offer while you can!

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