Successfully balancing work and life are always challenging, yet finding your equilibrium in high heels can be even more challenging as attitudes shift during the summer months.\u00a0 The entire work world seems to redirect a certain amount of focus toward summer life style and vacation, and you might find you want to swap your high heels for your flip-flops.<\/p>\n
There are unique circumstances to consider in the summer as you plan to take vacation, do more at work while someone else is on vacation and possibly juggle out-of-school children while maintaining your normal work schedule.\u00a0 Let\u2019s dig our toes into the sand and ponder how you can take advantage of this time to improve your work-life balance.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s summer, so the pace at work will likely slow down a bit. \u00a0At the same time, there will likely be fewer people pulling the weight at the office.\u00a0 You and your co-workers will renegotiate the office work load to be sure everything is covered and your client needs are being met.<\/p>\n
Nothing is more frustrating for a customer or client to find out that a deliverable is on hold while their primary contact is on vacation.\u00a0 With planning, a team can cover for each other and allow everyone to go on vacation with peace of mind to enjoy a complete break from the office.<\/p>\n
As the pace slows, take this time to assess how well you are balancing your busy work and home life.\u00a0 Seriously take stock and ask yourself if you tend to overschedule, find it hard to ask for help or let go of control at work and at home.\u00a0 Self-awareness will go a long way toward helping you find your work-life balance.<\/p>\n
As the pace slows, you can also time to assess your own schedule, everything you do and why, and start to dream about the life design you want.\u00a0 Life is too short to do something just because you were asked or you have a hard time saying no.\u00a0 If everything seems important, you need to learn how to identify the real priorities and be satisfied with your achievements.<\/p>\n
Your day-to-day mental health is paramount.\u00a0 If you begin experiencing increased fatigue, headaches, stomach problems, anxiety, anger or insomnia, it\u2019s time to make yourself the highest priority.\u00a0 When it comes to taking care of yourself, you need to take time to connect with others.\u00a0 Ask yourself if you\u2019re spending time with people and doing the activities that provide support or that undermine support, then do what\u2019s needed to invest in yourself and create more relationships and situations that support you.<\/p>\n
To take more time for yourself, you will need to take something off your plate.\u00a0 Realistically, ask yourself what would you be willing to take off your plate?\u00a0 If you took that thing off your plate, what would you be willing to do for yourself?\u00a0 This is the only way to take actionable steps toward assessing your work-life balance and creating change.<\/p>\n
Finding equilibrium and knowing when to take off your high heels and put on your flip-flops is best achieved when you avoid being the martyr or sacrificing yourself when you need to be delegating and asking for help.\u00a0 When you do for others that which they can rightly do for themselves, you rob them of opportunities to raise their self-esteem and sense of competence.<\/p>\n
In addition to your colleagues at work, use this strategy at home with the kids.\u00a0 Think about having a summer chore list \u2013 having a family plan for everyday household tasks will teach your children a great life lesson.\u00a0 We all need to feel needed \u2013 even kids need to know that they are contributing.\u00a0 By not doing everything for them and having them contribute in age appropriate ways, your children will have their own sense of accomplishment.<\/p>\n
The regular school\/academic year calendar has a faster pace for everyone, whether you have children at home or not, so take advantage of this opportunity to slow down your pace.\u00a0 If you do have children at home, it\u2019s beneficial for you to slow down the pace with them.\u00a0 Remember work will always be there tomorrow.\u00a0 In the meantime, life is waiting.\u00a0 Whether you\u2019re wearing your high heels or your flip-flops, take time to enjoy the summer — reflect, vacation and spend time with the people and doing the activities that give you pleasure.<\/p>\n