Finding Balance Between Work and Life

Fall always seems co-related with going back to school - new clothes, new backpacks, a fresh start and opportunity to learn something new. In the case of this blog, we are going to adopt our best "Back to School" attitude and try to post about mental health issues on a more regular basis.

We've decided to post blogs somewhat thematically, although we will likely also post on issues and events as they arise, and so that you might know what to expect, and when, here is a breakdown of themes by day:

Monday: Wellness
Tuesday: Employment and Volunteer Work
Wednesday: Mental Health News and In the Media
Thursday: Community Events
Friday: Recreation

And so, in keeping with Tuesday's theme, and tying in with the first day back after the Labour Day weekend, is today's blog entry on finding balance between work and life:

The Tuesday after the Labour Day long weekend represents, for many Canadians, an unofficial end of summer, and a return to the routine and responsibilities of work and school. And, quite often, this also means a return to the demands of a heavy worload, and the stress and anxiety this can cause.

Canadians face more demands than ever, from family, friends, community, in terms of their own health, and, especially, at work. Workers may find themselves, especially in the current economic climate, taking on many more responsibilities, increasing their workloads, neglecting other areas of their lives and increasing stress levels. While some forms of stress can positively assist with work output, it is important to distinguish between that form of stress and burnout. Some people are more likely to experience work-related burnout, and learning to recognize the signs may help counter the impact.

Work demands can also lead to an inbalance in other areas of life. Some of the signs of this inbalance include feeling overwhelmed, feeling guilty that you may be neglecting other areas, and difficulty concentrating. Check out the CMHA's Work/Life Balance Quiz to figure out whether you're balanced.

It is possible for you to take steps to improve your work/life balance. The CMHA offers tips that may not only help you improve the time you spend with family and friends, but may also help job efficacy. Try a Five Minute Stress Buster, or a Three Minute Stretch at your desk!

Despite, or perhaps because of, all the demands modern life makes, it is more important than ever to maintain a good balance between work and the rest of your life. And, in maintaining balance between the two, you may find improves your work life, and the rest of your life as well.