We all know that most stress isn’t good for our health, and one of the best ways to reduce stress is to achieve the elusive “work/life balance.” But how do you achieve this utopian ideal when life keeps coming at you at mach speed? Experts say it’s a lifelong challenge and finding balance is different for each person. So, while there are no hard and fast rules, there are some basic strategies that can help you find the version of work/life balance that’s best for you:

• Know how you are spending your time. Track how you spend your time for a week by keeping a time log. Once you know where your time is being spent you’ll be better equipped to edit how you spend it.
• Prioritize, cut and delegate. Decide what’s really necessary and what is personally satisfying.  Cut or delegate activities you don’t enjoy or could be done more efficiently by others. Speak with your employer or family members about your concerns and possible solutions.
• Eliminate the time wasters. Tracking your time will also help you identify the time wasters.  For example, you may be able to leave work earlier if you can avoid the coworker who likes to gossip or distractions such as personal calls, web surfing, and social media sites.
• Take advantage of perks. Ask your employer about flex hours, job sharing, telecommuting or other scheduling flexibility that gives you more control over your time.
• Learn to say the NO. Don’t allow others to use guilt or other arm-twisting measures to coerce you into over committing yourself. It’s ok to respectfully say no.  
• Don’t make a habit of taking work home. Just because technology makes it possible to take your work with you everywhere you go, it doesn’t mean that you should. There will always be time you may have to work late, but try to make a conscious decision to separate work time from personal time. When you're with your family, don’t answer work related calls and emails and put away the laptop.
• Plan your home life like you plan your work life. Many people plan their work schedules to the minute but their personal time is unplanned chaos. Whether it’s just you or a family of four, use a calendar to plan and manage all social engagements, school functions, and other activities.  Have a regular weekly schedule for household chores such as laundry and vacuuming so that they are spread throughout the week rather than left for the weekend. Post a weekly shopping and errand list where household members can add items as needed to consolidate trips.
• Beware the “to-do” list.  To-do lists can be great planning tools if you don’t go overboard. Otherwise, they can overwhelm and add to your stress. Avoid creating lists that become a repository for every random thought and action item floating around in your head. Instead, list projects by priority under headings like: “must do,” “need to do,” “would like to do” and include dates for completion. Be realistic and allow yourself to leave some items undone.
• Use your support system. You can develop a network of co-workers, neighbors, friends and family can cover for you and vice versa when you have scheduling conflicts.
• Take care of YOU. Last, but most importantly, make sure you eat right, get enough sleep and give yourself at least 30-45 minutes of downtime each day to do something your enjoy such as exercise, read a book, watch TV, or whatever recharges your batteries.

Remember, finding balance is not a “fix it once” proposition. It requires constant maintenance and adjustment as your situation changes. But the rewards for your health and happiness are well worth the effort.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic.

WebMD.