“Work-life balance’ is a catchy phrase we see so often, it’s almost lost all meaning. But trying to maintain a healthy practice and a healthy home life is a challenge nearly all of us face. Do we have to sacrifice one for the sake of the other? Or is it possible to achieve a true balance? We believe taking a few small steps can lead to big changes.

At Work

• When given a project, approximate the time it will take to complete, then double that time to accommodate any delays or interruptions.
• Ask your staff to schedule 15-30 minutes of administrative time into your day, every day. If at all possible, close your door or move to a quiet space so that you can return phone calls, review charts, and handle other administrative matters without interruption.
• Group your telephone calls. Most people are in their offices at the beginning and the end of each day, so try to make and return calls during these times.
• Complete small tasks- those requiring less than two minutes of your time- immediately.
• Give yourself permission to politely end social conversations during the work day. Simply saying, “I’d like to hear more of this story, but I need to complete this task. Will you please excuse me?” can free up hours of time over the course of a week.
• Delegate, delegate, delegate. Continually ask yourself, “Is a medical provider required to complete this task?” If the answer is no, delegate it to an appropriate staff member. Also ask yourself, “Is this a necessary task?” If the answer is no, then don’t do it. 

At Home

• As difficult as it can be (or downright impossible if part of an on-call rotation), try to leave work at work.
• Wake up earlier. Rising one hour earlier each day will create ten additional weeks of waking time in one year, either to dedicate to your family and friends, or for personal reflection. Setting your clocks ahead three-to-five minutes can also build a small cushion of time throughout your day.
• Ask yourself, “What is the one thing that will bring me the most joy today?” then try to do it.
• Declutter. Maintaining possessions requires energy, space, and time. If an item is not contributing to your life in a positive way, it has no place in your home. If you do journal reading at home, keep them in a magazine file or basket. When it gets full, throw away the oldest material whether or not you’ve read it.
• On your days off, try to make it a point to do something very different than during your work days. Well-rounded people are generally more content personally and professionally.
• “Fake it til you make it!” Instead of using words like “stressed” or “worried,” try substituting “stretched” or “overextended.” Sometimes a simple change in vocabulary can elicit a positive emotional response.