Bring Yourself into Work/Life Balance

“I’m over-worked and overwhelmed, but my boss sets the deadlines, and there’s nothing I can do.”

“The demands don’t end at 5 pm – on top of work, I have to make time for all my other responsibilities, too.  I don’t remember the last time I did anything just for me.” 

“I feel like I’m rushing all the time.  I’m always hurrying to get the next thing done - sometimes I make mistakes that take even longer to fix!  It feels like an endless cycle.”

Do the comments of these overloaded workers sound familiar?  If the answer is yes, you’re not alone.  Most Canadians have difficulty finding time for all their roles and responsibilities.   In fact, 58% of Canadians report “overload” as a result of the pressures associated with work, home and family, friends, physical health, volunteer and community service.

Some of the signs of work/life imbalance include:

• Feeling overwhelmed, like you’ve lost control of your life
• Feeling guilty that you’re neglecting areas of your life
• Difficulty concentrating

Many feel that there’s nothing they can do to bring their lives back into balance.  After all, the demands of the workplace continue to increase, as do the number of hours most Canadians spend at their jobs.  According to Human Resources and Social Development Canada, one in four Canadians work 50 hours per week or more, compared to one in ten a decade ago.

But you can make changes happen – significant changes that will make your work more effective and your time with family and friends more enjoyable.  Visit our Work/Life Balance Tips to find out how.