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Life in the balance

Joanna Krasinski, MSN Occupational Health Service Manager

inding the perfect balance between work and the rest of your life can sometimes seem impossible. But let's face it: whether because of a busy family, classes at night, care for an elderly parent, or a second job, we all have a life beyond Children's.

Last month, COO Sandra Fenwick told Children's News about her own efforts to find the right balance. Someone with so much responsibility can't always avoid bringing work into the home, and I was impressed to read how she involved her growing children in that work by sharing it with them. It brings a smile to my face to imagine the hospital's strategic plan being fine-tuned at the same table where algebra homework is getting done.

Here are some ideas on how to get the balance in your life: First, recognize that this takes work! Pat yourself on the back for taking the time to make “balance” in your life a priority. Look at activities one week at a time. Accept that there is something always happening, so plan each week at a time rather than feel overwhelmed by activities in the upcoming months ahead. Working parents need to involve their children ­ communicate regularly with your children about the day’s events, and what is expected of them. Establish some routines. There is comfort in a little predictability in our lives and takes the mystery out of some of the more mundane things. Learn to use technology to your benefit. If you cannot be in two places at one time, use a cell phone to at least make yourself accessible. Find the humor in your life. Make sure you laugh daily. Learn to say “no” or at least lower your expectations. Silver linings are good too. When something doesn’t go the way you planned or hoped, find the positive in it. Decide to turn it around so it doesn’t bog you down.

Family is one of many passions Children's workers have outside of work. I'm always amazed when I think about the many Children's workers who play symphonies with the LSO, train for the Kids at Heart Marathon Team, mentor young people around Boston, pursue their dreams through the tuition assistance or Bridges to the Future programs. Some employers want to be the center of their employees' lives, but I believe that employees with strong passions outside of work have an easier time finding balance, health and happiness. And more often than not, that makes them better, more productive employees.

You know you have balance in your life when you have enough time for family and friends, as well as for work; when you have resources or back-up plans when something unexpected happens (such as a sick babysitter or broken-down car); when you are making headway on your personal and career goals; and when in general your days run relatively smoothly.

Balance in our lives may seem illusive at times. When something doesn’t go the way you planned or hoped, find the positive in it and turn it around so it doesn’t bog you down.

 

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