Find balance in your life

Life can be a juggling act. Work, family, and personal needs compete for your time and attention. Finding a sense of balance can help. You can live a rich and dynamic life and keep up with your responsibilities.

First things first – create clear boundaries between work, home and leisure. Try not to let work spill over into your personal life. If you need to bring work home, designate a separate area for work and stick to it, you’ll find it much easier to then close the door on work.

At work

Plan, prioritise, organise

Make short-term and long-term plans for your projects. Write a to-do list of tasks each day. Prioritise your tasks and list the most important jobs first. Set a deadline for each task so you can complete the project on time.

Take breaks

Breaks help you concentrate. Get up and stretch, have a glass of water, or take a short walk.

Use your lunch hour

Run an errand, make a personal telephone call, read a book or go for a walk.

Sharpen your communication skills

Learn to express yourself clearly and understand what others are saying. Good communication means fewer problems at work — and at home. Talk with your supervisor if you’re having any problems at work.

Don’t be last to leave

We know you’ll have times when you need to work overtime to meet deadlines, but try to make this the exception not the norm. Long hours means you may be working harder, but not better – they’ll quickly take their toll on your concentration, productiveness and health.

Use your commute home to wind down from work

Listen to the radio or some music or, if you’re not driving, read a book to give yourself some time to relax and unwind. You could try cycling part of your journey or getting off a stop early to take a shortcut through a park. These little actions can really help you to switch off.

At home

Spend time with your partner and/or children

Spend as much quality time with your family as you can to boost self-esteem and strengthen your relationships.

Make meal times special

Eat together as a family several times a week. Encourage everyone to share news and excitement. And serve healthy meals that everyone enjoys.

Hold family meetings

Use regular meetings to discuss goals, problems, events, and chores.

Keep a calendar

Note all appointments, meetings, activities, and special occasions. Put the calendar where everyone can use it.

Have fun together

Plan fun activities, exercise together – try bike rides or hikes. Join fundraising walks and fun runs. Take day trips to relaxing places.

At leisure

Cultivate your interests

Is there something you’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t had time? Make yourself a priority. Take time for gardening, golf or crafts. Sign up for art classes. Or learn to play an instrument.

Build exercise into your routine

Join a local exercise group or explore other options for regular exercise. Schedule your exercise and put it on the calendar. Make plans to work out with a friend. It’s more fun, and it helps you commit to exercising.

Take mini-breaks

Plan a day trip to the country, seaside or a park. Mini trips add fun and relaxation to your life at little cost.

Get involved

Find out how you can involve yourself in your community. Coach your child’s football team. Give a crafts demonstration for the local scouting group. Or volunteer for a special project at your place of worship.

Explore Rotherhive

RotherHive is developed by Rotherham Place Partnership