There are two schools of thought when it comes to work/life balance. Some believe that a balanced life does not exist as one area of life will always take priority. Others believe is that it is possible to create balance in life with the right priorities.
Here’s my two cents…
Having a perfectly balanced life is unattainable. Either work or life will take priority. With that said, it is possible to lead a mostly balanced life. The key is to recognize the warning signs when life is becoming severely out-of-balance, and take action to create more balance.
Warning signs may be subtle at first, such as tension headaches, indigestion, or difficulty sleeping. We often ignore the subtle signs, using the excuse that the symptoms will go away if we don’t focus on them. Unfortunately, ignoring the warning signs can lead to far more serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and some forms of cancer.
Poor sleep is often a casualty of an out-of-balance life. The number one reason individuals have difficulty going to sleep or staying asleep, is due to stress.
Stress impacts sleep in the following ways:
- When stressed, the brain releases CRH, corticotropin-releasing hormone, which signals the pituitary gland to release the ACTH, adrenocorticotropic hormone. This stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol, the primary stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels increase alertness, making it difficult for the body to relax and fall asleep.
- Stress reduces the functioning of the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which leads to racing thoughts, anxiety, and worry, which makes it challenging to quiet the mind for a restful night’s sleep.
- Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, also known as fight or flight response. When triggered, heart rate and blood pressure increases, preventing relaxation.
- Chronic stress disrupts the brain’s regulation of circadian rhythms, which control the sleep-wake cycle.
- Chronic stress can shrink the hippocampus, which is critical for memory and emotional regulation. This can exacerbate anxiety and depression, which are often linked to insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns.
Other warning signs of an out-of-balance life include:
- Increased irritability and mood swings
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Losing interest in activities
- Compromised productivity and mental clarity
- Neglecting self-care
- Strained relationships
- A lack of fulfillment but always busy
- Turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as alcohol, excessive caffeine, and food
- Inflammation
A lack of balance in work/life is not terminal. Fortunately, once there’s awareness of an imbalance, steps can be taken to create more balance by managing time, energy, and prioritizing self-care. For severe imbalances, seeking support from a coach, counselor, or therapist can be life changing. A trained professional can provide a fresh perspective and guidance for creating positive behavior change.
If you’re looking for support to manage stress, prevent burnout, or create more balance in your life, consider booking a complimentary Discovery Call with Lisa Hammett, CPQC: https://lisahammett.com/book/
Lisa Hammett is a Positive Intelligence PQ Certified Coach, a relatable transformational keynote and TEDx speaker, an international best-selling author, and a wellness expert. She reached burnout, after 26 years in the corporate retail sector. After a transformative health and wellness journey, where she lost 65 pounds, Lisa decided to dedicate her life to helping others achieve their health and wellness objectives. She has empowered thousands of individuals to make sustainable, healthy lifestyle changes.
For more information, visit Lisa’s website: https://lisahammett.com/
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