Pearson Benefits

Get clear on your priorities

Are you living the life you want to live? If not, why not? It may be time to stop and take stock of your priorities. Do the choices you make reflect those priorities?

If you want that promotion, have you thought clearly about what it might mean for the rest of your life? Will the demands of the new position put too much strain on you? Be sure to think through all the implications of a job change before you move forward.

Turn it off

Making good choices requires a clear mind. Your brain needs bandwidth to get perspective, process, and make wise decisions in this age of information overload.

So turn down the radio in the car. Turn off the iPod. Step away from the computer. Put your phone on ‘silent’ for a few minutes each day. Your brain will thank you, and chances are you will make better decisions about how to spend your precious time and energy.

Say ‘yes’ and ‘no’ strategically

Say yes only to the events, participation or job opportunities that will add value to your life without unduly increasing your stress.

Want to volunteer in your community or at work? Make sure you choose something that is well suited to your talents, not something that might be difficult for you, or put too many demands on you. Most important: stop worrying what others will think about the choices you make. It’s your life, and it’s up to you to protect it—and make the most of it.

Set yourself up for success

Life is a lot less stressful when you stay well organized. Do everything you can to keep your finances, household, and workstation or office in order. Setting up systems and establishing efficient habits (such as handling each piece of paper only once) will really help.

If you maintain a well-organized life both at work and at home, you will avoid having a forgotten appointment, missing ingredient or scheduling conflict derail your day.

Ask for the support you need

As Cali Williams Yost points out in her book Tweak It, “We can and must be our own advocate.”

You are the only one who knows what you need to effectively manage your work and life. If you need additional support or special accommodations on the job, ask for it. You might not get what you want, but you certainly won’t if you don’t even ask. Just make sure your request is realistic with regards to your job duties, and that you always deliver on your responsibilities and objectives.

On the home front, don’t hesitate to ask your spouse or partner and kids to help with household tasks. Or get some needed help from a friend, and then reciprocate.

For additional work-life tips and ideas, join the “U.S. WorkLife” Group on Neo. And keep in mind that if you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed, the Employee Assistance Program is always there to lend a hand. Click here for more details:

www.CignaBehavioral.com (employer ID: pearson)