Bring a Healthy Balance to Your Life

In ministry, it can sometimes be hard to find a good balance between work and home life because a constant schedule isn’t a given. God calls us to put others before ourselves, which is important, but Jesus also set the example of making sure we take care of ourselves so we can serve others well. Concordia Plan Services and your employer understand this conflict and want to provide you with tools to balance life and ministry.

If you are easily angered, constantly fatigued or feel like you’re in a constant state of chaos, it may be time to focus on rebalancing life. Here are some ways to start thinking about your needs without putting those of your ministry on the back burner:

• Personal Health Breaks: Taking occasional breaks throughout the day not only promotes personal health but also encourages a positive work/life balance. Take occasional breaks for water, stretching at your desk, or personal prayer and reflection. These breaks can be refreshing and lead to more productive work.

• Family Priorities: It’s easy to accidentally sacrifice family life for ministry work. Scheduling specific time for family is an important step in restoring balance. Whether that becomes regular date nights with your spouse or one-on-one time with your kids, having that time scheduled can build relationships and relieve stress.

• Unplug: Technology has created an expectation that we are always accessible. This can be a good thing when an emergency arises, but it can interfere with our work/life balance. Make a commitment to not check your emails at home or create a time when your family agrees to go technology-free. It’s a great way to unplug for a short time to help relieve stress.

• Looking Forward: Finding a work/life balance takes time. Rearranging a schedule is often easier said than done. One way to start is to schedule something in your day to anticipate. For example, you could schedule a 10-minute walk or plan to eat your lunch outside. Having something to look forward to in the day will motivate you to be more productive and relieve work-related stressors.