May 7-13, 2007 The first week of May is National Mental Health Week, and this year, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) wants Canadians to achieve a better work-life balance. If you find it difficult to balance the different roles in your life, you’re not alone. 58% of Canadians report ‘overload’ as a result of the pressures associated with work, home, family, friends, physical health and community service.
The theme of this year’s Mental Health Week is Work – Life Balance: It’s a Matter of Time. Materials have been developed that offer suggestions to help the individual and the employer to stay in balance. CMHA has created the Work-Life Balance Quiz that can help you gauge your own mental wellness. Your results will help you to recognize your strengths and identify areas where you could improve to help you stay in balance.
The CMHA’s 56th annual National Mental Health Week (May 7 – 13, 2007) is presented this year by Desjardins Financial Security.
Tips for Staying in Balance
Take control – there are ways to help bring yourself into balance!
Take control – there are ways to help bring yourself into balance!
At work
• Schedule brief breaks for yourself throughout the day. Your productivity and effectiveness will increase if you take even a ten-minute break every two hours and overall, you will get more
accomplished.
• At the end of each day, set your priorities for the following day. Be realistic about what you can achieve in the time you have available.
• Only respond to email once or twice a day. Then, shut off your email program to avoid being
distracted as messages come in.
• Make a distinction between work and the rest of your life. Protect your private time by turning off electronic communications. Don’t be available 24/7.
At Home
• Create a buffer between work and home. After work, take a brief walk, do a crossword
puzzle, or listen to some music before beginning the evening’s routine.
• Decide what chores can be shared or let go. Determine which household
chores are critical and which can be done by someone else.
Let the rest go.
• Exercise. Even if it’s only for 15 minutes at a time, you’ll feel
more energized and refreshed.
• Create and implement a household budget. Start by setting
aside some money from each pay cheque for the future.
In Your Community
• Make choices. Social, community and volunteer obligations pull
us in many directions. Choose the ones that are most fulfilling
and learn to say ‘no’ to the rest.
• Make choices. Social, community and volunteer obligations pull
us in many directions. Choose the ones that are most fulfilling
and learn to say ‘no’ to the rest.
