For many of us, achieving a healthy work-life balance may seem like an impossible goal. We’re torn between juggling heavy workloads and managing family responsibilities causing our stress levels to spike.
Although work-life balance means something different to every individual, the CPC Work-Life Committee would like to share a few tips and resources to help you find a balance that’s right for you.
At Work
• Set manageable goals each day. Be realistic about workloads and deadlines. Make a “to do” list to highlight important tasks and eliminate unnecessary ones.
• Be efficient with your time. Divide a large project into smaller tasks. Complete the first one before moving on to the next.
• Take five. Taking small breaks will help clear your head and help improve your ability to help deal with stress.
• Let go of perfectionism. No one’s perfect! Allow yourself to be human and just do the best you can.
At Home
• Unplug. Setting email boundaries may be tough, but it’s necessary if you want to truly unplug from work while at home. Even if you don’t actually respond to work emails, checking them consistently after business hours causes you to at least think about work, which isn’t always healthy when you’re trying to relax.
• Don’t overcommit. If you’re overscheduled with activities, learn to say “no”.
• Stay active. Regular exercise reduces stress, depression, anxiety and boosts the immune system.
• Get support. Talking with friends and family can be important to success both at work and at home and can even improve your health.
Did you know that CSU offers several programs to help employee’s deal with everyday stress and pressure that keeps us from achieving a healthy work-life balance?
The Employee Assistance Program can support CSU employees with personal issues in three ways:
• On-site support. EAP offers assessment and referrals, management consultation, and outreach to employees who may be struggling. Contact CSU’s interim, on-campus EAP coordinator for help or more information: Jan Pierce, 970-491-1527, jan.pierce@colostate.edu.
• CARE Program. Emma Chavez, Community Resources Coordinator, connects CSU employees with community resources through a comprehensive resources directory and hands-on guidance. Emma can be reached at 970-491-4839, emma.chavez@colostate.edu.
• ComPsych (CSU’s contracted provider for EAP services). ComPsych provides no-cost, confidential assistance programs to help employees and members of their households navigate personal issues. CompPsych will refer employees to a local, licensed psychotherapist, answer legal or financial questions. Services can be accessed online through ombudsandeap.colostate.edu or search “ComPsych” on the CSU home page.
Commitment to Campus (C2C) also offers a plethora of resources dedicated to work-life balance such as family, couple, and individual therapy, youth mentoring, multiple fitness options, childcare discounts, and after-school programs. For more information, visit the C2C website.
Finding organization in the chaos of everyday life can be challenging and doesn’t happen easily. Start with small, achievable goals and remember to seek help when needed.
For more information about the Classified Personnel Council and the Work-Life Committee, visit our website at cpc.colostate.edu.