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How many times have you heard the story of someone getting burnt out in their career because they devoted every waking moment to their job? Or the story of someone who had to give up the one hobby or interest they’ve loved since they were a kid, because they simply did not have time for it?

It’s sad, but it’s common.

Work-life balance is a real challenge for today’s workforce, since the connected nature of our society makes it nearly impossible to leave work in the office, no matter where we are physically.

We’ve put together four ways you can take control of your surroundings and achieve the perfect work-life balance.

1. Set Boundaries

“No” is the most powerful word when it comes to work-life balance, but it’s also the most underused. People are often afraid to say no because they don’t want to seem weak, incapable, or untrustworthy in big situations.

However, it’s important to take a moment to decide if what’s being asked of you is reasonable. Completing a typical project by the end of the week? Probably. Being asked to drop everything at 9 p.m. on a Saturday night to help a coworker finish their project? Not so much.

Set boundaries around your work schedule and the types of tasks you agree to. That way, you have clear guidelines about what you can take on. You won’t end up running yourself into the ground and you will still have free, personal time.

2. Prioritize Your Time

Once you’ve determined an acceptable work schedule for yourself, use that time wisely. Prioritizing your tasks helps you get the important stuff done so that when you’re ready to leave the office, you don’t feel guilty about any small things you leave undone.

Whether you prioritize chronologically or by importance, find a set pattern that works for you. Write out lists and set reminderswhatever you have to do to make sure you stick to your priorities. Be sure to leave a little bit of wiggle room in your planning if the nature of your job requires flexibility for unplanned tasks.

3. Make Time for Yourself

The time you spend away from work is just as important as the time you spend at workthat’s why it’s called a work-life balance.

But often, that time is devoted to other obligations: taking care of children, running errands, or other things you have to get done.

Make sure to replace some of the “haves” in your schedule with “wants.” Making time for yourself helps you live a fulfilled, stress-free life, while also recharging your batteries so you perform even better at work. Whether it’s an exercise routine, a hobby, or a self-care routine, scheduling in even just a little time for yourself can make difference in your overall quality of life.

4. Consider Working from Home

If you are struggling to set boundaries and find time for yourself, perhaps you need to change your work situation. Working from home is growing in popularity, as it makes it significantly easier to achieve the perfect work-life balance. There are no hours spent commuting, the schedule is flexible, and you have more of an opportunity to engage in work that you truly enjoy.

When making the switch to work from home, keep in mind that the type of work you are doing is just as important as when you are working in a traditional setting. Look for a job that provides engaging work, a full range of resources and support, flexible scheduling, and, most importantly, the ability to help make a difference in the world.

Being a Viv Life Consultant means you’ll be joining a passionate community of entrepreneurs  who represent a company they are proud of. No matter your motivation for taking on a new endeavor or how many hours you spend on it, working with Viv gives you the opportunity to share products that make life easier and simpler with your family and friends, while earning additional income. Learn more about this win-win opportunity today.