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Balancing Work and a Social Life



It's not always easy working full time, having responsibilities, and having a social life, but it is possible.  You know better than anyone that nurses are busy, often working long hours with exhausting shifts. It can be a challenge to put work aside and find some “me” time. 

 

Organization

It may seem that taking time out to organize is using up even more precious time; however you will find out, it pays off in the long run.  Take one off day, and organize, just to see how it works over the following month.
Organize scrubs- a little work in the closet can save a lot of time when getting ready for work. Hang scrub tops with matching pants to make it easy to grab in a hurry. Make sure everything in the closet is organized and accessible, including shoes.

  • If you’re not using organizing apps take a couple hours to learn about the latest ones. There are calendar apps with combined reminders, and to do lists. These are great for keeping your life organized and reminding you of important task you need to do.
  • There are apps that allow for different lists, grocery list, drugstore list, and general shopping list, everything in one place and easy to access when you’re at the store.
  • There are apps to store all login and store password information. These apps contain a master password and are very safe and secure, and will save time when logging into accounts.
  • There are apps to help with meal planning, some will even arrange a grocery list based off the meals you plan to serve.
  • Medical information apps are very useful, most allow for multiple family members where you can store all pertinent medical information, including prescribed medications, immunizations, and any medical procedures.
  • Don’t overlook bill pay apps, they will organize bills, some even have the capabilities of forming a connection with the bill and alerting you when the bill current month is available.
  • Take advantage of bill payment services through banks. Do this online and you can literally pay 30 days worth of bills in less than 15 minutes.

Search any available apps that may be beneficial and what works for you, in the long run it will save time and keep you organized and add free time to your day.

 

Scheduling

In a survey of employers, the number one complaint was scheduling, it seems this is never an easy thing to do. Schedules are almost always broken; however, making one will allow you to have a preliminary idea of how your day and week will go. Don’t forget to schedule time for yourself. Whatever seems appropriate, whether it’s one evening a week one full day a week, more or less depending on your needs, just remember you count too, and it’s important you take care of yourself, that means me time.

 

Socializing

It’s important to spend time with friends and family. In today’s busy world is not always easy to find this leisure time, so don’t just let it happen schedule it in. Talk with friends and family and find out what days and times they are available, then coordinate the best days and times to get together. It does not always have to be going out to dinner or attending functions. It can be simple, such as two families getting together for a taco bar night. Don’t forget to allow for time for yourself. Schedule A half a day at the spa for you and a friend, or relaxing massage. Depending on family needs a weekend away with friends is always fun,  and can regenerate you for a new work week. Don’t just rely on when you have time actually schedule time as you plan your schedule for the week. Having it penciled in and writing means it’s more likely you’ll stick to it. Depending on your work environment if you have a close group of coworkers, consider scheduling one evening every other week to get together after work for dinner or drinks. This can be a great way of getting to know your coworkers out of work, and a way to have some socialization time Inc. following work.

Work and obligations tend to occupy our lives. There are bills, to pay schedules to keep, and not to mention the thousand other things you do in a week.  As nurses we spend our time taking care of others, and if you don’t take care of yourself there may not be enough time left to take care of others. You will find that there is a way to balance your working life with a social life. It just takes a little organization and planning.


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