I often get asked about work-life balance, and as a female entrepreneur managing seven-year old twins, a four-year old, and training for this year’s Boston Marathon, I find myself saying, “I don’t feel like I do it very well. My laundry is out of control and I don’t remember the last time I walked my dog.” Alternatively, I might say, “I wake up, drink my coffee and make magic happen.” The truth is, some days I feel like the former, and some days it’s the latter. Both are wholly who I am and in 38 years I’ve never been anyone else, so it’s time I embrace and love myself. So should you.
I use many tricks during the day to stay sane and efficient, but these are my top four hacks for managing work-life balance, which I prefer to view as work-life flexibility because there is so much out of your control. If you aren’t flexible, you may as well be dead. By dead, I mean stressed, and stress may be linked to the leading causes of death.
- Set time for your passions. For me, it’s marathon training. That’s the one that I’ve set time aside for this year anyway. In recent years, it’s been things like making a baby, having a baby, helping launch Alchemy, an awesome fitness experience that changes the body and renews the soul. Marathon training grants me a lot of “me” time. Long runs. Massages. Chiropractic appointments. Hot baths. You know, all the things that keep this late 30’s body from decaying, but it’s so worth it. It’s me! Having a passion or mission that is yours and not your kids’, not your partner’s, not your work’s, but yours is the secret sauce to feeling most alive.
- Define what success will look for you at the start of each day. I am a big fan of the Five Minute Journal and it comes down to this: I wake up and say, I will {insert goal} that is achievable. Start small or go big, but get it done. Over a week, some items might come up time and again that might not get done. That’s okay too. This is where the progress over perfection idea hits home. I may decide to not unpack from Christmas vacation for a few weeks or return library books for a half-year. Every Wednesday though, the kids collect the items they’ve recycled, bring them out to the curb and wave to the recycle truck when it goes by. At the end of the day, I rattle off my successes and call it a day. You can’t win them all, but you can get close some days. Especially Wednesdays. Wednesdays are good.
- Don’t be everything to everyone. I fall into the category of “people pleaser.” With therapy, experience, and age I realize how important saying no and creating boundaries for yourself can give you life and energy to show up for yourself. Which brings me to my last hack.
- Move your body. Everyday, find a way. Take the stairs, go for a walk, run around in the snow with your kids. At least three times a week, add yoga, strength and conditioning into your routine. You can find free daily workouts at Alchemy Anywhere. No gym? No problem. If motivation is an issue (especially during the icy cold winter months), make a date with a friend and hold each other accountable. Your productivity in all categories of life will improve.
Andrea Jones is a coach and founder of Alchemy and Union Fitness. When she is not working, working out, or hanging with her 3 small children, you can find her sipping on a Brasa Breeze.
