Managing the Complex Balance of Work, Health and Life

Have you ever considered the significant role that work plays in relationship to your health? And how health is essential for getting your work done quickly, completely and successfully? More than ever before, practical solutions are needed for promoting a healthy balance both at home and at the workplace. Balance is the key. It is important to remember that balance is a choice. It is possible for your work, as well as your time off, to have a positive impact on your health and happiness.

Here are five solutions for transforming a ¡§rat race¡¨ lifestyle into one with a healthy state of balance.

Solution #1: Curb the Trend of Working Longer Hours
The eight-hour workday is sadly a thing of the past for most people whose work does not stop once they leave the office. A study by the Families and Work Institute of New York reports that both spouses of dual¡Vincome households with kids put in more than fifteen hours per day on work, commuting, chores and child care. That does not leave much time for exercise, reading, fun or sleep, does it?

In reality, you do have a choice. Setting aside time to plan, set goals and determine priorities each day brings greater efficiency to the hours you spend at work. In many instances you can choose to leave the office at a set time when you plan appropriately. It is always an option to negotiate with your employer to work fewer hours, transition to a part-time schedule or do some of your work from home. By exercising your power to choose and simply asking for what you need, a healthier balance can emerge.

Solution #2: Use Your Vacation Benefits
Vacations are a benefit that must be appreciated for the role in a healthy, balanced life. The Framingham Heart Study followed women ages 45 to 64 and found that frequent vacations cut risk of death among all women by half. In 2000, SUNY-Oswego conducted a similar study of men ages 35 to 57. It found that regular vacations lowered risk of death by almost 20 percent. Unfortunately, Americans are the most vacation-starved nation in the industrialized world. While the average U.S. worker is entitled to an average of only 13 days of paid vacation annually, workers in other developed countries are provided with more than double that amount. Perhaps even more discouraging is the fact that even though 79 percent of all U.S. employees are given paid-vacation benefits, more than one third (36 percent) do not use their available vacation days each year.

With the arrival of the New Year, plan ahead to use your precious vacation days to de-stress and balance your life. Studies show that it really will do you good.

Solution #3: Slow Down, Let Go and Enjoy Your Time Off
Can time off from work be stressful? If your answer is ¡§yes,¡¨ you are not alone. One in six U.S. employees is so overworked that he/she is unable to use the vacation or enjoy the free time because of excessive job demands. In a recent survey, 32 percent of respondents said they work and eat lunch at the same time and 17percent admitted that their work causes them to lose sleep. Sadly, nine percent said that workplace pressure makes them feel they can¡¦t miss work even when injured or sick. Developing a healthy attitude toward time off requires awareness and conscious choosing. Appreciate your time away from work and allow yourself some rest if you are really sick. Use your time off wisely to accomplish personal tasks and refresh your body and mind. Your employer benefits from your ¡§real-world experiences¡¨ and from the higher productivity that accompanies your being rested, healthy and balanced.

Solution #4: Choose Work You Love
When a job is in sync with your individual talents, values and life mission, working a long day provides a day of fulfillment. People who love their work often report, ¡§It isn¡¦t work!¡¨ A side effect is that all other aspects of their life will reflect a positive energy as well. A study by Fortune magazine reported that people who are passionate about their work are 127 percent more productive. With that kind of productivity boost, those lucky people are probably able to fit in more of that healthy time off.

Solution #5: Use Your Time Off to Nurture Your Mind/Body Health
It is up to each of us to personalize the way we nurture ourselves. Here are a few ideas to get you rolling:
ľ Begin a daily exercise program.
ľ Be mindful of food choices to give you energy and manage your weight.
ľ Drink eight to ten glasses of purified water each day.
ľ Cut down or eliminate sodas and diet drinks.
ľ Follow a consistent sleep schedule of 7-9 hours per night.
ľ Start the day with meditation.
ľ Keep a humor journal of funny jokes, cartoons and silly songs.
ľ Laugh loud and often. Hang out with people who make you laugh.
ľ Write, sing, dance, draw or create something beautiful.
ľ Reach out, pray, love, give thanks and gather with friends.
ľ Visit people who are sick or infirm.
ľ Make a list of goals for the year ahead.
ľ Set an example for others through learning, teaching or positive influence.
ľ Speak up when something could be better.
ľ Give lots of encouragement to others who are trying to improve their health and life balance.

You spend many days of your life at work. Only you can make the choice to find the best balance for you. By making these choices, you will live a happier, healthier and quite possibly an even longer life.