Finding a balance between work and wellness can be elusive in today’s fast-paced world. This is especially true for women who tend to put everyone’s needs before theirs. Many of my female clients have adult children at home and care for older parents. Us baby boomers have indeed become the “sandwich generation.” I am traveling back to Las Vegas several times yearly to assist my Mom, Dad, and Stepmom. The stress from dealing with older parents can be mentally, physically, and emotionally overwhelming at times. Then, let’s add work, a partner, and pets, and considering we haven’t a way to clone ourselves, self-care often falls by the wayside.

However, striking a harmonious balance between these competing priorities is essential for physical and mental health. So, how can we navigate this delicate juggling act and prioritize our wellness in a busy world? We are all responsible for our time management, calendars, and priorities. That doesn’t negate feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and out of balance. Let’s look at how we can mitigate some of these obstacles and achieve balance in our hectic lives.

Establish Boundaries: One of the first steps in achieving work-life balance is setting clear boundaries between work and personal time. This might involve designating specific hours for work tasks and committing to unplugging work-related emails and messages during evenings and weekends. I use the Do Not Disturb on my phone during evenings and weekends. It is difficult for me not to respond to texts and emails whenever I see them, but I am improving. By creating distinct boundaries, we can prevent work from encroaching on our personal lives and carve out dedicated time for self-care and relaxation.

Technology has given us a sense of immediacy with everything. This is a choice, and almost everything can wait. Remember to step back and decide if responding to that text or email on your “off” time is best. Setting a precedent that you are always on call can overwhelm you.

Prioritize Self-Care: Self-care is not selfish; it’s essential for maintaining overall well-being. Whether taking a leisurely walk surrounded by nature, practicing mindfulness meditation, or indulging in a hobby you love, prioritizing self-care activities can help recharge your batteries and reduce stress.

Remember to schedule regular self-care practices into your routine and treat them as non-negotiable appointments with yourself. The key word is non-negotiable. It’s simple to mark a massage, walk, pedicure, meditation, time to read, or luncheon with a friend on your calendar. Sticking to that schedule and not replacing it with work or something else is entirely another matter. Family emergencies aside, things can wait.

Practice Time Management: Effective time management is critical to balancing competing priorities and maximizing productivity. Consider using time-blocking techniques to allocate specific time slots for different tasks, setting realistic deadlines, and delegating tasks when possible. By organizing your schedule and prioritizing tasks based on importance and urgency, you can minimize overwhelm and create space for work and wellness activities.

I am sure you are familiar with doing things you don’t want to do first. I follow this formula, and checking off those items feels good. See if that works for you.

Take a good look at what is a priority. In business, what is revenue producing, and what is busy work? At home, what can wait? Laundry, cleaning, and errands shouldn’t interfere with your “me time” or revenue-producing work activities.

Think about what time of day you will most likely get “in the zone” and get things done. For me, it’s morning. For others, it’s mid-day or evening.

Embrace Flexibility: While structure is important, embracing flexibility and adaptability in your approach to work and wellness is essential. Recognize that life is unpredictable, and there will inevitably be times when unexpected challenges arise. Instead of rigidly adhering to a fixed schedule, be willing to adjust your plans as needed and practice self-compassion during periods of change or upheaval.

Grace is a beautiful word. Be sure to offer it to yourself. Frustrations will occur with bills to pay, technology weirdness, pet issues, partner challenges, weather, the person who cuts you off when driving, traffic, and the overwhelming influx of emails, texts, and social media. One thing I have practiced for 20+ years is no news. I see headlines on my phone; however, I do not watch nor listen to the insanity that calls itself “news.” I also do not watch violent television shows or anything disturbing. Yes, these things may not bother you; if they do, STOP IT!! You can be informed without being influenced by all the negativities.

Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek support from colleagues, friends, or family members when needed. Whether asking for help with work tasks, sharing your feelings with a trusted confidant, or seeking professional guidance from a therapist or coach, seeking support can provide valuable perspective and assistance in navigating challenges.

Women are better at seeking support. However, many of us want to avoid asking for help. We are the first to offer it; however, asking for it is uncomfortable. I know this one very well. Step out of discomfort and find someone to talk to. It makes a huge difference; like anything you practice, it gets easier each time.

Set Realistic Expectations: Finally, you must set realistic expectations for yourself and acknowledge that perfection is unattainable. Instead of striving for flawless performance in every aspect of your life, focus on progress over perfection and celebrate small victories. Remember that finding balance is ongoing, and adjusting your expectations as needed is okay.

In conclusion, balancing work and wellness requires intentional effort and prioritization. We can cultivate a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle by establishing boundaries, prioritizing self-care, practicing effective time management, embracing flexibility, seeking support, and setting realistic expectations. So, let’s commit to finding balance in our busy lives and prioritize our well-being today.