Develop a Support Network

It is virtually impossible to achieve any sort of work life balance without the assistance of a reliable support network. Today’s busy lives virtually demand you engage the help of others if you hope to reach your goals. Your support network may consist of trusted friends, family members, clergy, counselors, child care professionals, and even pet sitters. Long gone are the days when you were able to attend to every one of life’s details personally. In order to be fair to yourself and your family, you must be able to delegate some of your responsibilities to others.

Take the first steps in easing up pressure by hiring a gardener, a housekeeper, a pool maintenance professional, or anyone else who you can afford to take some of the load off of your shoulders. Ridding yourself of daily chores frees up your precious time so you can use it where it is most important – like playing in the park with your kids.

There are a number of other types of support you need in order to assure your ongoing physical and mental health.

1. Recruit Your Co-Workers

Rather than take on overwhelming tasks at work by yourself, enlist the assistance of a few trusted co-workers, or develop a committee to accomplish certain goals. Not only will this take some of the pressure off of you, but the act of achievement as a group will inspire a feeling of teamwork and camaraderie, raising morale and enthusiasm for the job.

2. Maintain a Source of Emotional Support

Sometimes you run into problems that you do not know how to handle. Perhaps you are in financial trouble, or you have developed a drinking problem. Maybe you are gambling away your savings, or you are having marital troubles. Everyone has issues that are difficult to deal with, and it is extremely important to have a trustworthy source of counseling and guidance.

If the problems are serious, seek the advice of a trained counselor or psychological expert. You may wish to speak privately with your church minister or other clergy member, or take advantage of any peer support system you may have in place at work. If you do not have such a program at work, look into developing one. The ability to have a trusted source of support in the work environment is extremely beneficial and can improve employee longevity.

3. Foster Lasting Friendships

True friends are one of life’s greatest joys. They help you keep it real. They will be the first to celebrate your victories with you, listen to your woes when times are tough, or give you a swift kick in the butt when you need it. Good friends do not mince words, and will tell you when you are behaving like a schmuck.

Friends can be counted upon for enjoyable social diversions, to get your mind away from the office for a few hours. They can also be called upon in times of need, such as when you get caught in a lengthy meeting and your child needs to be picked up from school. Knowing you have trusted allies to help you out – knowing you will gladly return the favor – help alleviate stress when you find yourself in a sudden bind.

You cannot underestimate the value of a solid support network. If you already have one in place, thank the heavens for them. If you do not, begin making the right acquaintances and seeking out the appropriate resources to ensure you have help at your fingertips when you need it the most.

Most of us do not understand the importance of having a good support system until we suffer some sort of emergency. By then it is too late, and we are left grasping at straws trying to figure out a solution. Before you find yourself in that position, begin laying the foundations now. Know who you can trust and develop those relationships.

The availability of a support system will enable you to accomplish so much more in terms of work life balance. You will enjoy deeper relationships that provide you with greater happiness and fulfillment, and you will achieve greater success in all aspects of your life.

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