Making time for your loved ones

In this day and age, it’s all too easy to become distracted by both a heavy workload and a hectic home life. From preparing the kid’s packed lunches and ensuring their uniforms are in tip-top condition to working long into the evening in order to meet a deadline, there’s often little time to do anything else.

However, ensuring you make time for your family and friends is a must. Not only will it allow you to bond with the loved ones in your life – relaxing in front of a movie with the kids, sitting around the dinner table as a family and enjoying a scenic walk with your partner – such activities will also allow you to switch off, ridding your body and mind of stress and tension.

At the beginning of your week, check your workload and choose a day. This day should ensure a work-free evening and one that can be used to enjoy some quality time with your loved ones. Even something as non-committal as watching a film with the entire family whilst ensconced in front of the fire is a great way to relax and unwind while also enjoying the company of others.

Instead of going all out and stressing over the preparation of a big family meal, opt for a selection easy-to-prepare, tasty sharing snacks such as a few bowls of McCain French fries, some popcorn and maybe even a tub of ice cream.

French fries are a great option, as they’re easy to make and make a good alternative to crisps when it comes to relaxing in front of the TV.

Although it’s becoming increasingly impossible to only think about work when in the office, it’s important to try and follow this rule. If not, you may find that you end up brushing off invites from friends and family numerous times throughout the week, all in aid of catching up on a project or meeting a deadline.

If you find that this is a common occurrence in your life, it may be wise to rethink your organisation skills. You may even opt to head into the office an hour earlier – it’s surprising what a difference a quiet office and an hour makes.

Even if you enjoy your job greatly, this doesn’t mean you won’t find it stressful now and again. It’s imperative that you completely switch off once in a while. Choose a day just after a big deadline and take a trip to a spa or the countryside. Leave phones, laptops and pagers at home and enjoy a technology-free break.

When you arrive back at the office, you’ll find that you’re in a much better mind-set and raring to go.

This post is protected under copyright. SusankMann 2009 – 2014