Work – life balance

Matti Daniels
Family and Consumer Sciences

Balancing your personal life from your professional life is no easy task!

In the world we live, it is increasingly difficult to say no to work assignments and yes to spending time with family.

Some of us long to get promoted with our jobs and steadily climb the ladder. Others have kids to support and without a lot of help. Therefore, we are working three jobs or late nights just to make sure there is food on the table.

But are we missing out on the real purpose if we don’t get to spend time with those we love?

When possible there are ways to balance work with life to make for a healthier and happier you.

• Leave work at work. Now this may be a difficult thing to do, but emotionally, physically and mentally, it is important to unplug when you are home to give your mind a break and to be able to spend quality time on your life outside the office.

• Be flexible and make time for important activities. In both work and in personal lives, we often take on too much. Cut out the things that are not helping you personally or professionally so that you can make time for those things you care most about. It is also important to make time for your kid’s events. These little moments are very valuable to your children, and it will mean the world to them that you took the time out of your day to share their experiences.

• Make goals. Whether it is in your personal or professional life, always set goals for yourself.

• Take time for yourself. You will not have a good balance on life if you do not take time to eat well, exercise, relax and sleep.

For more information contact the Whitley County Cooperative Extension Service at 549-1430; e-mail at DL_CES_WHITLEY@EMAIL.UKY.EDU; or visit the office located in Cumberland Regional Mall, 965 S. Highway 25W, Williamsburg.

Source: Amy Hosier, Extension Specialist for Family Life, University of Kentucky; College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.  Sarah Christian, CFT Master’s Student
Reference:  Caproni, P. (1997). Work/Life Balance. Retrieved November 20, 2015, from http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/handle/2027.42/67268/10.1177_0021886397331003.pdf?sequence=2&isAllowed=y