Work-life balance — it sure sounds good in principle. But really, what is it? How do you get it?
My thoughts? It’s a dynamic interaction between work and life. Popular culture’s use of the term balance is misleading. And, I believe what anyone strives for is more like integration.
Work is those tasks you must do to keep your life functioning — paid or unpaid, inside or outside of the home. And life is those things you do for your fulfillment — the things you enjoy and want to do. Balance is the ideal blend of those two areas.
To move toward a more blended life, become aware of how you spend your time. Notice where you are satisfied, where you may be imbalanced and what you would like to change.
Consider your level of fulfillment in your nursing career as well as other areas of your life.
What’s your satisfaction in your:
- Relationships with family and friends
- Relationship with your significant other/romance
- Fun/leisure
- Health
- Money
- Personal growth
- Physical environment
5 Steps to Create Balance Your Way
- Carve out some uninterrupted time. Get ready to create your vision of a balanced day.
- What would your ideal day look like while you enjoy a satisfying combination of work and life? Put some detail into your vision.
- How would you start your day after awakening?
- What would you have for breakfast?
- How would an ideal nursing shift or the workday evolve?
- What would you do at the end of your workday?
- How would you end your day before going to sleep?
- Next, identify any internal obstacles that get in the way. Look at obstacles outside of your control. Consider people’s opinions, schedules and actions that could easily derail you.
- Thinking “this is the way it’s been done for the past twenty years.”
- Thinking “I’m just going to get my hopes up and end up disappointed.”
- Telling yourself “you’re not tired, keep on going.”
- Hearing “if you don’t work in a hospital, you’re not a real nurse.”
- Seeing your name on the schedule for the upcoming holiday.
- And finally, remember shifting into change is easier with a thinking and accountability partner.
Awareness, desire and identifying your obstacles are important. But moving toward balance requires you act. Work-life balance is not a destination. It’s a dynamic state of awareness and choices.
I would love to hear from you. Join in with your thoughts and experience: How do you respond to obstacles that arise as you’re trying to create a work-life balance?
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