{"id":8831,"date":"2016-03-07T12:31:42","date_gmt":"2016-03-07T17:31:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ccpa-accp.ca\/fr\/?p=8831"},"modified":"2016-03-07T12:31:42","modified_gmt":"2016-03-07T17:31:42","slug":"elusive-worklife-self-care-balance-phenomenon-self-employed-professional","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ccpa-accp.ca\/fr\/elusive-worklife-self-care-balance-phenomenon-self-employed-professional\/","title":{"rendered":"The elusive work\/life (self-care) balance phenomenon for the self-employed professional"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"stacked-stones-664928_1920\"<\/a>For the vast majority of us, work is life so I prefer to think of this concept not as work\/life balance but rather work\/self-care balance. The elusive phenomenon where you reach and maintain that vacation-induced \u201cZen\u201d Monday to Friday.<\/p>\n

It seems we are often plagued with the seemingly impossible notion of establishing a consistent work flow that always seems to be in constant flux between too busy or too slow (with not nearly the same amount of time spent at that \u201cjust right\u201d pace) and managing our self-care needs. How much is too much to take on? It\u2019s easy to say \u201cyes\u201d to more work, it seems we are pre-programmed for it. We justify this by telling ourselves that we don\u2019t necessarily know when the next referral is coming through our door. What is always saying \u201cyes\u201d costing you? Your clients? Your loved ones?<\/p>\n

A simple google search provides you with the definition of balance \u201can even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady\u201d. So, if you are awake an average of 16 hours\/day and 8 hours\/day is spent at work, by the very definition of balance, you should spend the other 8 hours of your day engaged in activities which replenishes and prepares you for a new day. How realistic is that?<\/p>\n

Establishing equality amongst your many commitments is not an easy task (ever tried walking on a tightrope?). The figurative scales are constantly going to be encouraged one way or the other. Realistically, at times, you are going to have to allow for this to happen. HOWEVER, remaining too long in a state of imbalance can lead to fatigue, decreased mood, stress, burnout, etc.<\/p>\n

Ten steps to re-balance the scales: <\/strong><\/p>\n