Balancing Acts: Keeping Work and Life in Equilibrium

In the fast-paced world that we live in today, it seems as though it's hard to find enough time to do everything that needs to be done. Days at work are long, but too often don't seem to be long enough? we bring home what we can't finish and end up creating highly stressful situations for those around us. Even worse, it seems like medical science is constantly finding new problems that are caused by overworking and the stress that results from it. If only there were some way to reduce the effects of this stress and make life more work-friendly (and vice versa)?

Luckily, there are ways to negate the harmful effects of working too much? balancing life and work in a way that makes everything more harmonious. It can take a little getting used to at first, especially if you're a "Type A" personality that is used to pushing and driving on to finish the project or complete the proposal.

Counteracting the Negative Effects of Stress

Of course, just because you work long hours every day or put in a lot of overtime doesn't mean that you're doomed to be done in before your time by stress. There are a lot of methods that can be used to counteract the harmful effects of work-related stress and increase both your quality of life and the free time that you have available. The key to living a long and fruitful life is to learn to balance your life and your work, so that what time you have available to yourself is spent in the most enjoyable ways possible. Below are several ways that you can either decrease the harm that stress causes or free up more time for yourself (which in itself can decrease stress in your life.)

· Pets ? Studies have shown that the simple act of petting a dog or cat can cause immediate and significant reductions in stress. Our animal friends have other stress-relieving benefits, as well? for instance, the sound of a cat's purr is an excellent stress reliever, as is the act of playing with a dog or watching fish swim in a tank. Research has also shown that pet owners tend to live five to ten years longer on average than those people who don't own pets.

· Schedule Family Time ? Setting aside a specific time to spend with your family is a great way to reduce stress and make the most of the free time that you have. Ideas such as planning a "Family Game Night" or taking a weekly picnic to the park are gaining in popularity in many areas, and have been shown to not only reduce stress but also produce children who are more social and less likely to misbehave in adulthood. If you're not married or don't have any children, you don't have to miss out? schedule time to spend with siblings or friends, just to enjoy each other's company.

· Read ? Set aside a little time each night to read. What you read doesn't really matter? it can be a tabloid, a magazine, or a novel. The important thing is that you're reading something because you want to do it instead of because you have to, and the act of reading for enjoyment tends to occupy your mind and release some of the pent-up frustrations and stresses of the day. As an added bonus, reading can increase your vocabulary, your reasoning skills, and your overall intelligence and outlook on life.

· Invest in a Filing Cabinet ? It may not seem like much, but being organized can actually be a great stress reliever. File away pay stubs, tax returns, business receipts, and bills so that they're easy to locate should you need them. Not only will this save you time should these records become needed, but the act of organizing can have a calming effect on the mind and reduce stress.

· Lifestyle Management ? Lifestyle management is a growing trend that can greatly increase the amount of free time that you have. Lifestyle management agencies can perform a number of services for you so that you don't have to, from running errands and paying bills to scheduling appointments and performing household tasks. Lifestyle management providers may perform different tasks than the ones listed, so be sure to find out what services an individual provider offers.

· Take a Vacation ? One of the best ways to counteract the harmful effects of working too much is to take time away from work. Even taking a single week's vacation once a year can increase your life expectancy, give you a more positive outlook, and generally make your quality of life much better than it was previously. Just make sure that you follow the cardinal rule of taking a vacation, whether you go on a trip or just stay at home: when you're away from work, leave work behind and enjoy yourself.

Call the Butler is an innovative new lifestyle management company operating in and around Central Scotland. Too much too do and not enough time to do it? Why not Call the Butler?

Call the Butler: http://www.callthebutler.co.uk

---

100 Ways to Reduce Stress

Don't let stress wear you down. Next time you are... Read More

Stress Mangement and Mastery: How to Defeat Sunday Night Syndrome

Picture the following scene:It's Sunday evening, the weekend is winding... Read More

Stress And Anxiety - Take Charge Of It!

Have you ever noticed what occurs when you are suddenly... Read More

Stress Management: Declare Your Freedom From...

1)Excessive worryNo, I'm not saying "don't worry, be happy."Well-used worry... Read More

Some Tips for Mental Well Being - Ways to Help Yourself!

Get at least 15 minutes of sunshine daily.Daily Exercise -... Read More

Anger Management: Is It Finally Time To Forgive?

In order to free ourselves from the pain of anger... Read More

Journal Your Stress Away

Writing down our thoughts and feelings, as in keeping a... Read More

Calming The Voice of Stress

But how can this happen to someone?Let's concentrate on how... Read More

Stress Tips

26 ways to minimize and manage the unhealthy effects of... Read More

Manage Stress By Focusing On Solutions And By Having A Laugh

Marshal John Kruger acted by Arnold Schwarzenegger (who else) in... Read More

Are YOU Controlling Stress So Stress Does Not Control YOU?

Have you recently moved or started a new job? Do... Read More

Why Stress Is Not Necessary

We are not designed for long term stress.It causes us... Read More

Slow Down, You Move Too Fast

"Slow down, you move too fast, you've got to make... Read More

7 Successful Stress Management Techniques

Everyone needs successful stress management techniques. Easy to learn and... Read More

Stress Management and Mastery: 3 Powerful Tools to Beat Stress

Q: We recently had someone come to our company to... Read More

Simple Tips to Help Simplify Your Life! - Make it Great!

Quote of the week"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." Leonardo da... Read More

How To Use Diet To Reduce Your Stress

The Problem You don't need me to tell you how... Read More

Nipping Stress In the Bud: The Principles of Stress Relief

Stress is normal. Stress is OK. Stress is the same... Read More

Stress and Your Immune System: 10 Ways to Relax and Rejuvenate

Stress seems to have become a constant factor in today's... Read More

Worry: Is It Worthwhile Work or a Waste of Time?

As tools for change are discussed, one tool - that... Read More

Stress & Performance: How Much is Just Right?

WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYSExperts in the stress management field have... Read More

How to Relieve Stress

One question that is not asked enough by people under... Read More

10 Ways to Monitor Corporate Stress Levels

10 Ways to Monitor Corporate Stress LevelsGood military leaders work... Read More

Worry: Do We Have A Choice?

As Montaigne said, "he who fears he will suffer, already... Read More

Reduce Stress and Enjoy More Sleep

If you suffer from insomnia of any kind, the chances... Read More

Can You Say Yes To Less Stress

A little stress is good for us until it becomes... Read More

How to Cope With Stress and Strain

Work related tensions, personal issues and abnormal lifestyles are the... Read More

The Benefits of Eating from a Jar of Honey

June is the month of the honey moon. Custom holds... Read More

Dynamic Guide - How to Recharge Your Mind With A Refreshing Recreational Activity!

Let's face it! The majority of our time is either... Read More

Coping With Stress

When something happens in our lives, we automatically assess the... Read More

Stress Impacts Your Health

Health Impacts of StressStress is a funny concept, try to... Read More

Everything You Always Wanted to Know About How to Get a Life, But Didnt Know Whom to Ask

Question 1"How do I get more time to play?"Answer: Schedule... Read More

Spontaneous Play

"We do not stop playing because we grow old. We... Read More