Work-Life Balance - A myth or a reality?

Are you glued to your laptop while on a personal vacation? Do you constantly check your business mails at your family dinner table? With daily challenges on an ever-increasing spree, do you feel the need to put in longer hours at work? And are you sacrificing your personallife in order to give more to your work life? Is it worth the sacrifice is my question?

Globalization and technology have blurred the traditional line between work and family. Technology was once used for work flexibility but it has now invaded our personal space. Most of us today lead a highly imbalanced life. Work life balance is typically defined as satisfaction and good functioning at work and at home with minimum role conflict. The ability to maintain a work-life balance is essential for both – immediate functioning and long-term health and well-being.

There are 6 parameters in work life balance: personal, physical, professional, social, spiritual and a vocational.  The ability to fit in all these aspects in your life is essential for maintaining the balance. But is it really possible to maintain a work-life balance? Yes it is. Many professionals have succeeded in achieving this balance in their lives. Work life balance is important for an individual’s psychological well-being. It consists of time balance, involvement balance and satisfaction balance. With demanding deadlines and long hours at work it is imperative that we prioritize some me-time everyday.

 

In order to understand balance, we must first understand imbalance. Imbalance occurs when some vital aspects of life are ignored and left unattended. The consequences of such imbalance can lead to ill-health, psychological and physical stress, family discord or even life dissatisfaction. It may even lead to souring some significant relationships.

In order to take steps for maintaining a healthy work life balance it is important to understand the need for it and the role that it plays in our lives. Your ultimate goal is well being and satisfaction. So find out what gives you that ultimate happiness and satisfaction. A short-term focus can take a toll that isn’t beneficial in the long run.

 

A perfect balance will never be possible given the current economic conditions. So one has to find the balance in the imbalance. The key is to do something of personal meaning to you everyday. In order to bring about the balance start with self-analysis of what you really want, list down things that give you joy and contentment, take necessary action, bring about those small changes, persist and be flexible. The brief nourishment of the soul goes a long way to maintaining a balance in an otherwise imbalanced life.