FINDING YOUR WORK/LIFE BALANCE

Achronic imbalance in your work/life balance can negatively impact your health.

If you find yourself skipping meals, or reaching for food and alcohol for comfort, you could be at risk.

LifeShape Clinic dietitian Nicola Moore explains how to juggle work, relationships and self-care.

To find time for yourself, scheduling your priorities is imperative.

“Develop boundary setting practices to ensure you are managing your day based on priorities,” says Nicola.

“Ask yourself what really needs to be done today, and what is suitable to leave for the next day.”

Once your priorities are set, be assertive and express your needs to those around you.

“Recognise and value your own personal limits,” says Nicola.

“It’s okay to say no or ask for help if you’ve taken on too much. As much as possible, unplug from work-related notifications when at home or on holiday to give yourself quality down time.”

Once you’re unplugged, treat your own self-care like a job in itself.

“Take full responsibility and commit to nurturing yourself,” says Nicola.

“Research suggests that health-related behaviours such as eating habits, physical activity and alcohol use are largely influenced by social support. So, schedule self-care activities like going to a movie with the people you love regularly.”

Most importantly, start small and don’t expect to be perfect.

“Remember that changing habits ingrained over a long period of time is a work in progress,” says Nicola.

“Rather than an all or nothing approach, you may start a new habit on one or two days per week, and build up from there.”

If you need help prioritising healthy eating and physical activity, consider seeking the help of an accredited dietitian or exercise physiologist.

For more information, call LifeShape Clinic on 1800 567 348 or go to lifeshape.com.au.