10 Top Tips to create work/life balance for a healthier lifestyle

By Sophia McDermott, Lifestyle Coach & Fitness Expert. 

Juggling work/life balance is something that comes my way a lot when guiding clients as a Lifestyle Coach. Most people are exhausted, drained and depleted. Their work commitments are so huge that there is very little time for them.  It brings me to ask this basic question, how did things get this way? Should we really be working 12-15 hour long shifts? And do shops really need to be open 24/7? Modern day convenience has actually made our lives less easy because we are all working around the clock these days and then dealing with the health issues that arise from pushing our wellbeing aside. 

There are a few basic necessities that are imperative to our health and wellness as humans yet society has made it the norm to have these basic rights left last because we are all too busy grinding it in the workplace. 

Eating. 

A basic necessity is eating. How many of us don't actually have time to eat, to sit down and have a full meal, except for dinner time? How many of us skip breakfast because we have to rush out the door at the crack of dawn for work?

Sleep. 

And then there is sleep? Who here actually gets a good solid 8 hours of sleep a night? 

Movement.

And finally, the other basic necessity is movement. So many of us work such long hours and spend all day sitting at a desk that there just isn't time to hit the gym? Or to bring it back to basics one more step, how many of us have time to get outside in the sunlight and the fresh air and go for a walk everyday? 

If you think about it, it's all totally ludicrous.  What other species on earth doesn't eat, sleep or go outside for sunlight and fresh air? 

So don't think for one second that the constant lack of these basic necessities is not affecting our health. These are huge culprits to weight gain, depression and a myriad of other health issues. 

I am sharing this candid article so we can all take a good hard look at our lifestyles and evaluate honestly whether our basic needs as human beings are being met. And if not, what changes need to be made?

There is so much emphasis on eating for weight loss, or working out for weight loss or to become toned and buff, but I think that part of the problem is that there isn't the time available to be able to focus on these things.  Eating a healthy salad with some protein at lunch time is great, IF we can actually sit down and stop to actually eat that healthy salad. 

Working out is great, IF we have the energy to actually workout after a 15 hour long work day. 

So let's take a step back and look at small ways we can change our lifestyle so that work/life balance is more... well… balanced.

How can we cut back on some of our obligations and make our health a priority? 

Here are some of my top tips to help you create work/life balance and a healthier lifestyle.

1/ Try to avoid working overtime unless you are being paid ridiculous amounts and the money is more beneficial to you than your workout, sleep, meals and family time. Set boundaries in your workplace. 

2/ Set appointments for your workouts. Literally schedule them in. Hire a trainer if need be who will hold you accountable.

3/ Do quick workouts during your lunch break while you can. You can join me for some quick effective workouts in my FIT EMPOWERED WOMAN Membership

4/ Set workout dates with a friend. Make your working out a social thing too and use that time to connect with friends in real life instead of a computer screen.

5/ Be organized. Prep the night before if necessary so that you eat a healthy breakfast before work and you have healthy meals throughout the day

6/ During meal times, switch your phone to silent or close up your computer so that you can enjoy your meal without interruption.

7/ Take your breaks outside and fill your lungs with some fresh air.

8/ Delegate. Ask for help so that you can get your tasks finished sooner so that there is more time for you.

9/ Switch your phone off at night to avoid being exposed to the blue light that can keep you up. Read a book instead or make time for cuddles.

10/ Make time to treat yourself now and then to day spas, massages or a hike in nature. Whatever will allow you to decompress. 

These are things that I try to do to maintain my work/life balance so I hope you find them helpful. These are also things I share as a Lifestyle Coach and with the members of my Body By Sophia personalized program. But understanding that your health and wellbeing depends on it should help to shift your perspective to make it a priority. All of us should be able to move our bodies, sit down to eat our meals, be getting adequate sleep and to be able to get outside for some fresh air and sunlight on a daily basis. And if not, it's time to make some changes.