Keeping the Balance

Managing work and home for a happy and rewarding life

RASHMI GOPAL RAO

Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life. – Dolly Parton

It is often said that the key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities. Many a time in life, it is quite common that work and professional goals take precedence over everything else that it leaves little or no time for one to spend with family and friends. Overwhelmed with work pressure, individuals hardly have the time or the inclination to pursue what they really love and enjoy. Given that stress is a given in today’s fast paced and hectic lifestyle, it is imperative that we give equal importance to ourselves and our well-being than just focusing on work.

Indra Nooyi, former chairperson and chief executive officer of PepsiCo once famously said “No matter who we are, or what we do, nobody can take our place in our families.” She also narrated how her mother asked her to leave “the crown” of being the President in the garage the moment she came home for here she was first a wife and a mother.

Well, while this is the universal truth, the year 2021 has been our greatest teacher. The importance of family life and making time for things and people we love could hardly be over emphasized. So, why not we make a resolution to work towards having a balance in our personal and professional lives and put family first in 2022? Well, here are some simple tips you can follow.

SET YOUR PRIORITIES

It is key that we make a list and assess our priorities whether at work or at home and make a conscious effort to spend time on what is more important. At work, make sure you finish your tasks well within the stipulated time so that you do not have to carry it home. Keep work related calls to a minimum once you reach home. While work from home is the norm and working across time zones is the need of the hour, it is important for you to “switch off” from work related communication after a set time. Try to limit international calls to a few days in the week so that you can have the rest of the days free. Do note here that communication is the key and it is always recommended that you discuss your working style with your superior and team members and obtain their agreement in order to avoid potential conflicts later on.

EFFECTIVE TIME MANAGEMENT

It is always a good practice to review and reflect upon the time spent by you on different tasks. As an individual one is always juggling multiple roles and multi-tasking. So, it is important to consider activities that take most of your time and make an attempt to manage it better. Say, if you are spending a big chunk of your time checking office mail early in the morning, start earlier in the day so that you can join your spouse in the gym. That way, you not only prioritize your own health and well being but also end up ending quality time with your family. Going for a swim, walk or even doing yoga at home with your spouse is not only energizing but the perfect way to start your day.

SPENDING TIME WITH KIDS AND PARENTS

Make a conscious effort to get involved in what your children are doing. Helping them with their school projects or home work at least a couple of days in a week is sure to strengthen the bond between them and you. If your parents stay close by, accompanying them for shopping or helping them out with small chores is a great way to spend time with them. Your children’s piano classes or football lessons are ideal excuses for you to involve your parents in the activities of their grandchildren.

PLAN ACTIVITIES TO DO AS A FAMILY

Whether it is cooking together on a Friday night or enjoying watching a TV show or even a game of Scrabble, nothing is more fun that doing things together as a family. Make sure that you plan activities so that everyone in the house is involved. This way you not only spend time together but it also helps you relax and rejuvenate. Similarly, remember to fit in those romantic dinners or date nights with your spouse which is again extremely important and helps you sustain a happy relationship.

INCLUDE VACATIONS IN YOUR CALENDAR

Taking off and traveling are always great ideas to spend dedicated time with your loved ones. Getting away from the familiar hustle and bustle helps you unwind and focus better once you are back to work. It increases understanding between members of the family and helps you stay together through thick and thin.

While there is nothing like achieving the “perfect” work life balance, it is important that you remain flexible and adapt to changing circumstances at work and/or home. That said, a conscious effort to set boundaries coupled with effective time management techniques is sure to make you successful in spending more time with your family and loved ones. So, go ahead and have a wonderful 2022!