Life can sometimes seem like a repetitive mundane chore for some people. Wake up, take the kids to school, go to work, pick the kids up from school, find time for exercise, find time to eat healthy, find time for your spouse, find time for yourself, etc. Repetition can be good because we know it will eventually produce favorably results if done well. Whatever happened to having fun along the way, which in turn reduces stress?
In the past, a work hard and play hard mentality served me well. Balance is the key here. You do not want to work so much that you ruin family and friend relationships. You also do not want to play so much you ruin work relationships.
Here are 10 effective ways to create the balance you want to achieve more fun and reduce your stress.
- Schedule Time for Fun.
- Schedule Time for Family.
- Schedule Time for Friends.
- Incorporate Free Time.
- Limit Your Work Hours.
- Incorporate Fun into Your Work.
- Always Make Time for Exercise.
- Always Make Time to Read.
- Always Make Time for Religion.
- Plan Your Meals.
If you are a busy professional with a spouse and kids at home, you will more than likely need to plan ahead and schedule your activities. I have setup a system in my calendar that has re-occurring events every week to ensure I can maintain a well-balanced life, while having a family, exercising, accomplishing my goals at work, achieving my financial goals, enjoying time with friends, while having fun and reducing stress long the way.
Here is an example of some reoccurring events I have setup that you may find helpful.
| Week Days | Weekend Days |
| AM: Exercise | AM: Exercise |
| AM: Executive Level Item Review | AM: Work on House Projects |
| AM-PM: Work Day | AM: Free Time |
| PM: Family Time | AM: Work on Blog Posts |
| PM: Kid Time | PM: Soccer Tournaments |
| PM: Wife Time | PM: Family Time |
| PM: Self Time | PM: Friend Time |
I do have margin built into these line items, which helps when one activity changes or takes longer. It has been helpful to have these reoccurring events built into my calendar. I will recommend, that if a rare and fun opportunity comes up like going to sporting event, you should make that a priority and go have some fun!
What are some different ways you could incorporate fun or help reduce stress in your busy schedule?
James G Morrison 