In the last business tips post we looked at what happens when you feel exhausted. This can pose the question about is your life in balance. Do you ever find yourself with more than one personality? Does multi-tasker / control freak and over achiever sound familiar? It is no real surprise really if you always have a to-do list that reads a little like this: finish orders, begin X project, spend time with family/friends/significant other, eat, sleep and run household. If you haven't realised it by now - a business can completely throw your life out of kilter.

Here are some questions to ask yourself to check your work/life balance, you may need to do this frequently:

1. When was the last time you were physically active? - walking up the stairs does not count, I'm meaning swimming, dancing, a long walk, a "night in", running and yoga are all good examples.
2. Are you eating regularly and not relying on junk/fast/processed food? - Why not make an agreement with yourself that at least three days a week you will eat a well balanced and nutritious meal and always have fruit and seeds on hand for snacks.
3. Did you sleep well last night? We all know the recommendation is for seven hours sleep a night but how many of us actually get that? Sometimes, if not frequently, I'm lucky if I get five, but I try to compensate at the weekends. You need to find out what is right for you.
4. Got a mirror nearby? Go take a look in it, how do you look? When was your last haircut or time you put some makeup on? Im not saying you have to do this but sometimes it can make you feel a little better.
5. Have you visited a museum, restaurant or cinema lately? Treats like these are important for well being and giving your brain a rest as well as a treat! It doesn't need to be expensive. With some of my friends, the restaurant we go to depends on what vouchers we can get.
6. When was your last day off or even a holiday? It can be difficult to arrange a break when everything is resting on your weary shoulders - but it is so important. If time and funds don't allow for a holiday then the minimum should be to take a day off, not to catch up on household chores but to go and have fun!
7. Do your friends and family know you are still alive? It is important to keep these relationships alive and kicking and sending a few emails/texts/phone call won't really take that long but will keep you all happy.
8. Do you have appointments to make/keep or emails to return? Set aside an hour or two a week to tackle these.
9. Are you being a good friend/daughter/son/wife/husband etc by supporting your friends and family in their projects? You need to keep a tie to friends and family and mark their celebrations or you may be cut out of the loop altogether. I often struggle here but in reverse - I always try to be available and supportive of my friends and family but as it is not often reciprocated it makes me question why I actually bother.
10. Finally, are you attending any events you are invited to like Christenings, Weddings and Funerals? Keeping on top of birthday cards or other cards you need to send? Forgetting the birthday of a friend is marginably acceptable once but twice is a huge big black cross in my book. I find it helps to keep one central diary where both business and personal events/dates are combined. I have a beautiful purple leather Filofax which is with me at all times. It is also a good idea to keep a calendar central in the home so all family members can see it.

Coming next time on April 26th: Life Balance part two.