Day after day there is always something that you must be responsible for whether it is a job, project, or parenting. There are countless tasks and responsibilities that one must tackle. Although all these duties are important, taking care of yourself is equally important to ensure you can operate to the best of your ability. You cannot pour into others if you are not taking care of yourself first. According to research conducted by Julie M. Slowiak and Amanda C. DeLongchamp, it has been found that self-care is a strong predictor of how well one is able to balance work and life.

Tips for practical ways to balance between work and life

1.      Find Your “Why” Intention is everything when it comes to how you want to live your life. Do you find yourself more drained than energetic? Do you find yourself having a hard time trying to schedule time with your kids or significant other? It is important to ask yourself why you want to have a good work-life balance to look at how you want to prioritize your life.

2.      Make Your Job Work for You. It has been found that flexible work schedules lead to lower stress levels, increased productivity, and improve employee work-life balance. Happiness at work has been linked to opportunities for growth which is what we all strive for in this life. I know not everyone loves their job but celebrating what you do love can go a long way.

3.      Set Boundaries.  Boundaries are the foundation of having a great work-life balance. A practical way to set boundaries is to leave work at work--your home life at home. Prioritize completing work tasks and duties at work and spend more time focusing on yourself and your family when you are at home.

4.      Mindful Breathing.  Taking time to simply breathe is an essential tip. Mindful breathing has been found to reduce blood pressure, improve the immune system, and help manage depression.

5.      Limiting Distractions. In this day and age, people are constantly distracted by what is on their phones, laptops or TVs. Limiting and blocking out the use of the internet can help you to fill that time on skills and hobbies that are more beneficial to you. Whether that is reading a book that you have been meaning to read or just using that time to take a much-needed bubble bath full of your favorite scents. This time away from the internet and its distractions can help you to refocus on your responsibilities.

Incorporating self-care into your work-life balance in ways that works for you is an on-going skill and one that you must intentionally strive at every day. Implementing these tips will get easier over time and most importantly will help you to become a more well-balanced person. 

-Nia Moore

There are many different therapeutic approaches to help your mental health. A more creative approach to express yourself is incorporating art. Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that utilizes creative processes, such as painting, drawing, and sculpting, to help individuals express themselves and explore their emotions. This approach can be particularly helpful for individuals who have difficulty verbalizing their feelings or experiences.

There are many benefits associated with art therapy, including improved mental health, reduced stress and anxiety, increased self-awareness, and enhanced communication skills. In the article "Art Therapy for Schizophrenia or Schizophrenia-Like Illnesses" by Megan E. Renna, William B. Saltzman, and Linda L. Murphy (2017), their research found that art therapy was associated with significant improvements in symptoms of schizophrenia, including positive symptoms (such as delusions and hallucinations), negative symptoms (such as lack of motivation and emotional expression), and general psychopathology. Additionally, art therapy was found to improve social functioning and quality of life in this population. Saba Hasan and Rehana Rehman (2019) found that children who participated in art therapy experienced significant reductions in their stress and anxiety levels compared to those in the control group.

Art therapy provides a unique and creative approach to psychotherapy, allowing individuals to express themselves in ways that may be difficult with traditional talk therapy. As research on the benefits of art therapy continues to grow, it is important to consider incorporating this approach into mental health treatment plans. Whether used alone or in conjunction with other forms of therapy, art therapy can be a powerful tool for promoting emotional expression, self-awareness, and improved mental health.

-Nia Moore