Reduce Stress

Keeping life in balance is difficult for most people. The demands of work and family life can sometimes even seem overwhelming.

Here are some tips for finding a happy medium between the two.

1.A Master List - A master list is where you should write any major projects you would like to undertake that often erode your peace of mind. For example, while outside with the kids you notice a home improvement project you can't seem to find time for. Put it on a master list. There are many great systems and methods to help you record your lists and schedules. Many people perform these functions electronically. I prefer to use a planner system from FranklinCovey.

2.A Daily List - This is your list of tasks and objectives for the day. Try to be realistic about how much you can accomplish in one day. Parenting a toddler often causes me to forget small and large tasks I had hoped to accomplish. Whenever I start feeling especially harried, I know it's because I haven't written out a daily to-do list.

3.Decompress - Take a moment to yourself to clear your mind and leave work behind before you arrive home. Some of us do this with music or talk radio during our commute.

4.Delegate - If you are financially able hire people to perform labor/time intensive tasks like housekeeping and yard maintenance. At work delegate tasks if possible. Just because you might do a job better doesn't mean that you can do them all.

5.Give thanks - Write out two lists of things you are grateful for at work and at home because sometimes stress can make blessings seem less evident.

6.For parents - Reviewing work issues in your mind while parenting can lead to unhappy kids who act out to get your attention. If you must work some while at home with a child or children, try to take advantage of their natural 'down' times. Make certain that your family knows how important they are in your life and invite their evaluation of your commitment to them.

7.Appreciation in Action - At work and at home, plan special events to express the importance of each element in your life. Work appreciation could be as simple as sending a seasonal card to one of your co-workers.

8.Review - Every few months make a mental assessment of how well you are balancing your work and home life to keep things in check before they become a problem.