Creating Balance:Not just the way it has to

beRebekah Garner

"Happiness depends on how you balance your life's equations between positive and

negative experiences and attitudes.”

Rob Kall

Group Activity

If you could be doing anything at all right now, what would it be and why?

Anyone want to share what they said?

Balance Definition

a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of weight, amount, etc.

something used to produce equilibrium; counterpoise.

3.mental steadiness or emotional stability; habit of calm behavior, judgment, etc.

the power or ability to decide an outcome by throwing one's strength, influence, support, or the like, to one side or the other

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/balance

What causes us to not be in balance?

STRESS

Areas that cause stress

Good Stress Relationships Children Buying personal

property

Taking classes

Bad Stress Car problems Receiving tickets Unplanned events at

work or at home

Areas that Cause stress in housing leadership roles

Live on campus

Bond with teammates who become your friends

Neighbors and students become your friends

Conversation with friends and neighbors always revolves around work

You always live the role of role model because you have a fish bowl life that everyone can always look into.

How many people…

Use a planner

Separate work and school schedules

Communicate their schedules to family and friends

Create blocks of free time

Activity Time

Discussion

How many people found big blocks of free time in their schedules?

What are the big time blocks filled with?

Not so positive ways to handle stress

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AW25kwUqce0&playnext=1&videos=n0bA2bljuXc

Tips to combat stress

Create a routine

Put limits on work hours

Give yourself a break

Be realistic

Understand that you can’t do everything

Get help

Cut back if needed

Relax with hobbies

Give yourself plenty of time

Spend time with friends

Don’t let yourself get rundown

Learn time management skills

http://internships.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=internships&cdn=careers&tm=25&f=10&su=p554.13.336.ip_&tt=2&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.rncentral.com/nursing-library/careplans/101_health_and_wellness_tips_for_college_students

Warning Signs

Things to look for in yourself and others Burnout Irritability Lack of motivation Self-medicating with drugs or alcohol Headaches Changes in sleep Changes in eating habits

What to do when you see warning signs

Start saying NO to optional obligations Extra shifts, events or projects

Make time for some general fun or time to yourself

Talk with family or friends outside of work

Schedule fun activities with friends

Be active; take walks or go for hikes. Plan outdoor activities

Plan a reward for work you have to do

What to do when you see warning signs cont.

Contact the Counseling Services Office on your campusTempe – 480-965-6146 West – 602-543-8125Downtown – 602-496-0721Poly – 480-727-1255

Activity Time

Discussion

Were you able to squeeze some free time in?

"Life's demands may not slow up any time soon, and learning life balance is an

ongoing art. If you think one day you will get it all done, and then you can relax, you

are bound to be disappointed.”

Christina Winsey-Rudd, from Life Balance Coaching: Balance Work and Life Like a Pro

Questions?