insideKENT Magazine Issue 27 - June 2014 | Page 86

HEALTH+WELLNESS Lower stress and perfect your work/life balance in 2014 Lowering stress and achieving a healthy work/life balance is a goal for many people these days; wanting to work to live, not live to work. So how can you do this? Here are some ideas to help you lower your stress levels and achieve a balance that suits you. BY JEN SMITH Identify the causes of stress Identifying what is causing your stress is a good first step. Just becoming aware of exactly what the problem is will make things clearer, and open up steps for how to tackle it. • Take some time out to write a list, identifying the causes of stress in your life so you can see exactly what is going on. Don't censor yourself; what you write may surprise you. • Next to each item on your list, write down one solution. • Prioritise the solutions according to their importance to you, and make a point of implementing one solution each week. To start with, it could be as simple as turning your work phone off when you leave the office. Small changes can have a big impact. Saying no and exercising boundaries It is important to be able to filter some of the requests and activities that come your way, both at work and home, and one of the best ways to do this is to say no more often and exercise boundaries – where possible. This will allow you more time to focus on what is important to you, and helps to reduce the stress that comes from saying yes to things because you feel obligated or don't know how to turn down the request. Being intentional about how you use your time and what you commit to will help you to feel more in control of your life, while making healthier choices that are right for you. Saying no can be difficult, especially if you are not used to doing it, but with practice, it is a powerful tool in gaining control over your life. • Practice saying no and exercising boundaries around your time. Start with smaller or easier situations and build up your confidence. It will become easier over time. You could also practice with a friend or colleague that you trust, if it feels tricky to start with. • Don't commit to requests for your time on the spot. Let the other person know you will check your schedule and get back to them. This makes it easier to say no to things that you can't or don't want to do, to say yes to the things you really want to do, or to offer a compromise if that is the best solution. Taking your time before committing will take the 86 pressure off you and allow you to be intentional about what you commit to. • Start using the time you free up for enjoyable pastimes that lower your stress, rather than add to it.