INSIDE OKDHS, SEPTEMBER 2013 - STRIKING A BALANCE

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Striking a work-life balance is a big part of self-care. It's a challenge, though. Under pressure, life can feel like a highwire act. Inching along without a net. Lots of tension and no support. 

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When you have never-ending work to get done, it feels impossible to pull back time for yourself. Balance starts when you jump off the tightrope. Think of work-life balance as a teeter-totter instead. The trick is to find the middle more often than not. Don't expect yourself to be perfect. Some things you just canÆt control. That's okay. 

Listen to yourself and attend to what is most important. Sometimes your work requires the most energy. Sometimes your personal life or relationships need more attention. If you are pushing yourself too hard on the work end, the movement back to your own needs can be extreme. 

Start by making one choice a day that walks you closer to center. Fifteen minutes to yourself to do whatever you want can move you closer to the balance you need. You control where your attention and energy go. That's a powerful position to hold. Remember that doing what you need to for your health, your peace and your growth are priorities, too. Move closer to the middle and take time to take care. 

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