Finding Work-Life Balance when Dealing with a Family Crisis

Finding Work-Life Balance when Dealing with a Family Crisis Achieving work and life balance in the midst of a family crisis is not always easy,for instance, for people working in hospitals. Under normal circumstances, it is already challenging to deal with both with enough time and zeal. What more with the added pressures of a personal difficulty?Yet, it is essential to find a way to deal with everything to sustain your energy, well-being, relationships, and profession.evalIt takes time and effort, but is doable with a good strategy and plan. Below are five tips to guide your way.2. Immediately discuss your situation with colleaguesevalInform your peers and supervisor about your situation. Explain what is going on and why you may need to take time off or have a family leave. You do not need to tell them every little personal detail â€" just enough for them to understand the severity of this problem and why it demands your immediate attention.Then, come up with a coverage plan that is reasonable for everyone involved. Express gratefulness for the coverage and make sure to return the favor once you are back.2. Work efficientlyBe extremely focused in using your time appropriately. If it is time to work, put all your effort and attention into it. Perform your duties as quickly and efficiently as possible, finish it, and move on to family matters.Again, dedicate all your energies in handling your family crisis and do not let work distract you at this time. Do one thing at a time and do it well.Also, be mindful of the time you spend on social media. Sometimes it is a good way to relax but it does not help if it sucks you in and eats valuable time.In fact, it is a good idea to step away from the phone or keyboard while balancing work and a family crisis.3. Schedule everythingevalPlan everything. This provides much needed structure and makes it easier to stretch yourself. When you are dealing with a family crisis, even the simplest things feel overwhelming. Start writing a schedule and stick to it. It focuses your mind and simp lifies tasks.Create a schedule on your phone, write on an actual calendar, or set up reminders every day. Do what you have to do to get things done and stay on track.4. See what resources are available to youWhat benefits are offered by your company that may be useful in managing your situation? Can you take time off? Is paid leave an option? Is child care assistance available?Can you work from home? Are there counseling or legal services that you can tap into? These benefits offer a lot of help in the middle of a family crisis.evalIn addition, do not hesitate to speak with your supervisor or human resources manager to explore what other options or help can be extended to you given your unique situation. There is always room for negotiation but you have to ask first.eval5. Let go of the guiltNo matter how hard you try to balance work and your family crisis, it just never settles perfectly sometimes. There will be unforeseen problems and situations that prove too difficult to manage with grace.Sometimes days are plain painful. But do not be too hard on yourself. Do what you can in one day, give your best, and let go of the rest.Moreover, if your family crisis is truly tremendous, there is nothing wrong with taking extended time off from work. Give yourself space to griever, heal, and recover then come back to work with a renewed energy.