How is your work life balance?
Do you take time for yourself or are you constantly fighting to keep pace in life and at home?
Well, in Timmins Thursday, the local Chamber of Commerce hosted a session to offer tips for people to try to stay happy and healthy in a balanced life.
The old daily work grind, it's how most of us spend our days, but more and more those working hours are seeping into our personal lives.
Chandra Ciccone is a psychotherapist and says there is a way to regain a work life balance.
"I think in the age of texting and social media, I think it's very important to be conscious of where our time is going and really look at our priorities." said Ciccone.
She says the key is planning your time effectively and outlined some suggestions to a small group looking for a better way to manage their day.
She says the key word is "self-care."
"Self-care, it could be anything from going for a walk, to meditation, to art, to spending time with family and friends, quality time with family and friends. I think it's really important, it's the idea of taking care of yourself." said Ciccone.
Taking that little bit of time to lift yourself up or calm yourself down can do wonders the expert says and the key is knowing yourself and your limits.
For some managers and business owners, finding the balance can be difficult.
"I think I can have a good work-life balance. It definitely goes in peaks and valleys, and that's all dependent on usually work and what the kids are doing, but I definitely strive towards it." said business owner Jason Perratt.
As can be expected, there are 'apps for that,' designed to help plan your day and show you how you spend your time.
Ciccone says insight into balancing techniques can also help managers increase productivity from staff.
Michelle Goulet is the Executive Director for Timmins Learning Centre.
"As a manager, being able to be aware of some of those signs and symptoms. If I have staff that is, I'm noticing that maybe some of their productivity is going down or they are getting sick a lot, then I’m able to have that conversation with them about how they're able to manage their work life balance." said Goulet.
There is no easy way to achieve the golden middle ground, but Ciccone says taking a look at your life and prioritizing your goals, both in life and work, is the perfect place to start.
