Times are busy and life can be a juggle. Here are some tips about finding balance in life and how to maintain this balance.

Although many of us still cling to the idealistic view that we live in the land of the long weekend, Australians are among the hardest workers in the world.

The average working week in Australia for full time employees is 44 hours. Also, one in five Australians work more than 50 hours a week. Things and norms have changed.

How can we balance these new pressures?

The main questions which are raised are ‘Where do you draw the line’ and how much does this affect other aspects in your life?’
In other words, does this affect your personal life, diet, family situation and health.

I hear it all the time, people want to start training or train more often but simply can’t find or make the time. Having too little time is a big issue in the Western world we live in and this issue is only on the rise.

It is not rocket science, if you have a 60-hour work week, then there is less time to do other things. At the end of the day, something will need to give. Regardless of how busy you are I think it is very important to aim for as much balance in life as possible.

Here are a few tips that will help you find a balance in life.

• Schedule your downtime: when you plan your week, make it a habit to schedule time with your family, friends, exercise and do activities that will help you to recharge your batteries.
• Drop activities which sap your time or energy. Don’t waste your time on activities or people who don’t add value to your life. Decrease your time at work by spending less time on the web, social media sites or making personal phone calls.
• Think about things which will make your life easier and give you more time. Consider outsourcing things at work or in your personal life. If you are on a tight budget, you may find that the time you’ll save, makes it worthwhile.
• Make time to exercise. Physical exercise makes you more alert. Although it might be hard to find the time, it will boost your energy levels so you get more stuff done.
• Find time which you can use to exercise without actually losing time i.e. riding or walking to work instead of catching the bus.

Remember, you don’t have to make massive changes to find a balance in life. Rather start with little ones which are realistic and achievable. It’s often the small changes which make all the difference. Go for a 5-minute dip in the ocean and you will see how much better you feel.