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Self-Study Coaching Program by Caregiver Relief Network FINDING Caregiving Work Life Balance and Then Live a More Fulfilling Life How to Reclaim Your Time & Relationships

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Page 1: FINDING Caregiving Life Work Life Balance Fulfilling · Finding Caregiving Work Life Balance . How to Reclaim Your Time & Relationships and . Then Live a More Fulfilling Life Self-Study

Self-Study Coaching Program by Caregiver Relief Network

FINDING Caregiving Work Life Balance

and Then Live

a More Fulfilling Life

How to Reclaim Your Time & Relationships

balance

Live a More Fulfilling

Life

FINDIN

Reclaim Your Time

and

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Finding Caregiving, Work, Life Balance:

Reclaim Your Time & Relationships and Then Live a More Fulfilling Life Self-Study Coaching Program

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Finding Caregiving Work Life Balance

How to Reclaim Your Time & Relationships and Then Live a More Fulfilling Life

Self-Study Coaching Program

Presented by Stella Nsong, RN, CMC, CDP, LTCP

CAREGIVER RELIEF NETWORK 1 Victoria Place

#302 Painesville Ohio 44077

www.CaregiverReliefNetwork.com

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Finding Caregiving, Work, Life Balance:

Reclaim Your Time & Relationships and Then Live a More Fulfilling Life Self-Study Coaching Program

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Published by Stella Nsong, RN, CMC, CDP, LTCP. Copyright © 2014 by Stella Nsong All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system now known or to be invented, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer who wishes to quote brief passages in connection with a review written for inclusion in a magazine, newspaper or broadcast. This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering professional service of any kind. If expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.

DISCLAIMER

This publication is sold with the understanding that neither the author nor the publisher is engaged in rendering professional services. Questions relevant to the specific professional needs of the reader should be addressed to practicing members of those professions. The information, ideas, and suggestions contained herein have been developed from sources, including publications and research, which are considered and believed to be reliable, but cannot be guaranteed. Moreover, because of the technical nature of the material and the fact that laws are never static, but ever changing, the assistance of a competent, qualified professional is recommended when implementing any plans or ideas discussed in this publication, in whatever medium the material in this publication is used. The publisher specifically disclaims any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence directly or indirectly of the use and application of any of the techniques or contents of this publication. This publication and the contents herein are provided without any warranty, express or implied, as to their effect, completeness, or results received.

TERMS OF USE

By purchasing or using this publication and the contents herein, you agree that they may only be used for your personal use and may not be sold or redistributed without the written consent of Caregiver Relief Network. The publisher of this package has no way of knowing the specific needs of the reader. It is necessary then that you understand the limitations of this or any other package.

LICENSE

This publication is copyrighted. The buyer of this publication is given a limited license to use its contents for his or her use. This package and all its contents are sold to you, the buyer, with the agreement that your purchase entitles you to a non-exclusive right to use this package and the material contained herein for personal educational use. Printed in the United States of America

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Table of Contents

CAREGIVER COACHING PROGRAM………………………………………...……………………….…….04 MODULE 1: HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE REMEMBERED………………………….……….……….…… 04 MODULE 2: WHAT IS WORK LIFE BALANCE………………………….……………………………………… 08 3 TIPS FOR HANDLING CAREGIVER GUILT………………………………………………..…………..…….… 11 MODULE 4: WHAT INFLUENCES MY CAREGIVING WORK LIFE IMBALANCE…….……………. 17 MODULE 5: IMPROVING YOUR CAREGIVING WORK LIFE BALANCE….…………………..……….. 22 MODULE 6: LOCKING IT IN…………………………………………………………………………..………….….... 24 ACTIVITY SHEETS………………………………………………………………………………….………….…..26 How Do You Want To Be Remembered………………………………………………………………………...... 27

Finding The Caregiving Work Life Balance Point……………………………………………………...…….. 28

On The See Saw of Life………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 29

Accentuate The Positive…………………………………………………………………………….………………….. 30

Staying In Balance……………………………………………………………………………..………………………….. 31

Balancing Choices…………………………………………………………………………………..…………..….…..…. 32 ADDITIONAL COACHING ACTIVITIES …………..……………………………………..…….………... 33

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Module #1 How Do I Want to be Remembered?

Welcome to the coaching program on Caregiving, Work, Life Balance: Reclaiming Your Time & Life and Then Living a More Fulfilling Life. For so many of us, work-life balance is something that we hear about, think about, and truly desire, but it seems to elude us. It’s a nice idea, but having a balanced life of work, fun, family and meaningful endeavors seems far from reality. Balance is more challenging for caregivers partly because of our fragmented health care systems that is difficult for many caregivers to navigate. Also, with the greying of the world’s population, more people are becoming family caregivers. At the same time, caregiving is fast becoming a work place issue. Caregiving has even been coined the “silent productivity killer.” For many caregivers, the life of their care recipient has taken center stage while the life of the caregiver has been lost to caregiving. For some caregivers, there is no life, just work with hours blending into days and even weeks. For that reason, we will use the expressions “caregiving work life balance”, “balance” and “work life balance” inter changeably. In this coaching program you are going to learn specific tools that you can put into action right away to change your life and reclaim your time again.

Balance IS possible; it doesn’t have to elude you any longer, and it starts here.

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In this program you will specifically explore: What is work-life balance by defining concept,

what it means to you, and some of the benefits of keeping your work and life in balance.

What are the consequences of work-life

imbalance ... and the consequences of improving your work-life balance.

What influences your work-life balance – both negative and positive, internal and external.

How you can improve your work-life balance,

and actions you can take to make these shifts. Your journey begins with Module #1 and defining work-life balance.

* * *

Do you remember playing on a see-saw when you were little and how shifting on your seat or an extra push-off from the ground would change the whole action of the see-saw? One of the dynamics at play with a see-saw is balance. To get started with your exploration of work-life balance, let’s bring some perspective to your life. I won’t ask you to climb on a see-saw, but I do want to ask you to think about the life you have lived up to this point and the remaining balance of years ahead of you.

* * *

Self Study Activity

Do the following calculation: Subtract your current age from 90. Add two zero’s to the answer. Divide that number by two. If you smoke and don't look after yourself properly, subtract 1,200.

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This is roughly how many weeks you have left on this Earth, assuming you live to a very ripe old age. Of course, this is not completely scientific or accurate, but it does make us pause to contemplate the amount of time we have left on earth and how we want to spend it.

Take out Worksheet #1 – How Do I want To Be Remembered? Take a moment to do this brief visualization. Close your eyes, take a few slow, deep breaths, and visualize the following: You are very near the end your life. You are peacefully looking back over what you have achieved, what difference you have made in the world, and how you will be remembered. Think about these questions: How do I want to be remembered? What did I do that mattered? What will I have done that will give me a truly

good feeling at the end of my life? How have I best fulfilled my own unique

potential? REMEMBER: Most of us are accidental caregivers, meaning that we don’t or did not have a plan for caregiving. Something happened and we were forced to become caregivers. So how do we fulfill our own potential and at the same time be responsible for the care of a loved one? HERE IS THE ANSWER: Take care of yourself first so that you can become a better caregiver. The fact that you are taking this course is a great step towards caring for yourself. Next ask for help because the life of the caregiver and the life of the care recipient are intertwined. When one is doing well so is the other and vice versa.

Handout – Worksheet #1 - How Do I Want

to be Remembered?

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Answer the questions on your worksheet #1 then return to this module.

* * *

Self Study Debrief Questions Answer the debrief questions below. Then return to this module. What was it like to actually come up with the

number of weeks you have left on Earth? How did this make you feel?

What stood out for you when you were at the

end of your life and reflecting back?

* * * We rarely think about our lives this way: that we are only here for a short time and we need to focus on what truly matters. Thinking deeply about your own life purpose and what brings you fulfillment, helps you to align what you are doing currently with what you want to be doing with the rest of your life. This in turn creates awareness about the directions your life is heading and how you are dedicating your time each day. As a caregiver, the ONE thing you should consider including in your daily calendar is RESPITE time even if you can only take 5 minutes at a time. RESPITE is another word for REST. Take time for you because respite care is an INVESTMENT in your health and in the care of your loved one.

* * *

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Module #2 What is Caregiving Work-Life Balance

Welcome to Module #2 of the coaching program on Finding Caregiving Work Life Balance. Your caregiving work-life balance is a lot like your physical balance: each of your actions or activities in one area of your life — no matter how small or big — causes a small or big shift somewhere else. In this module, you will define work-life balance and contemplate how it is showing up in your life.

* * *

Self Study Activity Take out Worksheet #2 – Finding the Balance Point. Complete the next 4 steps, then return to this module.

1. Write this definition of work-life balance on the bottom of your worksheet:

Work-life balance is the dynamic relationship between achievement, fulfillment, and the factors that influence our choices and decisions in these two areas. Achievement is primarily about “doing,” such as getting things done, and meeting goals and obligations. Fulfillment is about “being,” such as feeling satisfied about your relationships and contributions.

2. Write the label “Achievement” to the left of the

person standing in the center of the circle on the Activity Sheet. Then write the label “Fulfillment” to the right of the person standing in the center of the circle.

Handout –

Worksheet #2 – Finding the

Balance Point

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3. Draw a symbol or icon representing what these two labels mean to you. Draw the symbols in the person’s hands, on the applicable side.

For example: - On the achievement side, the person could be holding a diploma to represent achievement, or a bag of money to represent financial success. - On the fulfillment side, the person could be holding a large heart or a wrapped gift to represent the importance of relationships and sharing with others.

4. Now you’re going to take the pulse of your

current work-life balance. Notice that the balancing board has a zero in the middle and the number ten at each end.

Ideally, a balance between achievement and fulfillment is what is desired, but as we’ve discovered, balance is ever-changing. So how you rate these today may well be different tomorrow. Let’s see how things stand today. Draw a mark and/or write a number along the left-hand scale that represents where you are currently in overall satisfaction with your achievement level. Then do the same thing on the fulfillment side of the drawing on the right.

* * *

Self Study Debrief Questions

Answer the debrief questions below. Then return to this module. What images did you draw on your activity

sheet to represent achievement and fulfillment?

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What do they mean to you?

What ratings did you select for achievement and fulfillment? How do you feel about your current state of balance in each of these areas?

* * *

A person’s physical balance requires ongoing adjustments in order to maintain equilibrium. As babies, when we first learn to stand, we fall down a lot so that we can discover the edges of our equilibrium and learn the consequence of each movement we make (i.e., every action has a reaction). With time and experience we build habits and strengths that help us maintain our balance without having to think about it. If we don’t pay attention to work-life balance, sometimes the negative influences that fill our lives urge us to say “No” to work-life balance, and “Yes” to work-life imbalance. There are consequences of work-life imbalance - some insignificant, some life altering. In the next module, you will look at how your life would be different or better by becoming more aware of your work-life balance.

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Module #3 The Consequences of Caregiving

Work-Life Imbalance

Welcome to Module #3 of the coaching program on Finding Caregiving Work Life Balance. Caregiving Work-life imbalance is a challenge for many people, and the consequences plague our lives in countless ways. As a result, there have been many studies on the causes and ramifications of this epidemic and how to correct it. This module will explore the consequences of work-life imbalance and how it may be impacting you.

* * * Self Study Client Activity Take out Worksheet #3 – On the See-Saw of Life. According to some national studies on caregiving,

o A little over one out of every four households (29%) is involved in providing care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend.

o Just over half of all caregivers for persons

aged 50 and over are employed full time. o Nearly 75% have had to change jobs or stop

working because of the demands of family caregiving.

o 69% of respondents to a Vault.com study

revealed that the amount of vacation time they receive is NOT sufficient.

Handout –

Worksheet #3 - On the See-Saw

of Life

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A study by the Families and Work Institute revealed that:

o Chronically overworked employees have an adverse effect on business outcomes. They are more likely to make mistakes, resent their employers, and resent co-workers for not working as hard as they do.

o Multi-tasking is a key contributor to employees feeling overwhelmed.

According to the Corporate Executive Board:

o Only 30% of employees feel they have a good

work-life balance.

o A recent study among 50,000 global workers indicated that work-life balance ranked as the 2nd most important workplace attribute [2nd only to compensation].”

On your worksheet, fill in the missing words for item #1, and answer question #2, by writing what you believe are the implications of this research for each of us, for our families, and for the companies we work for. Then return to this module.

* * *

Self Study Activity Based on what the research is saying about the impact of work-life imbalance, these are some of the results people experience:

• They meander through life with no direction or passion, and react to one thing after another rather than create the life they want.

• They engage in activities that do not represent what is truly important to them,

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sometimes feeling that they are living without integrity.

• They lose the sense of what really matters to them – maybe health, relationships, family, etc.

• They have a negative effect on other people – like not spending enough time with family, friends, etc.

• They continually reinforce the mindset that they are a victim of their life rather than the leader of their life.

Next answer #3 on your worksheet by writing about how caregiving work-life balance impacts your own life? Then return to this module.

* * *

Self Study Activity You just explored how work-life imbalance has clear negative consequences. In fact, some of them can be serious, perhaps even life-threatening.

Now let’s look at the positive consequences of work-life balance – of what happens in your life when you are in balance? Refer to item #4 on Activity Sheet #2. Identify what you think are the positive consequences of work-life balance. Think in terms of yourself individually, your family, and your company, and write your thoughts on the activity sheet. Then return to this module.

* * *

Handout –

Worksheet #2 – Finding the

Balance Point”

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Here are some of the most common benefits of caregiving work-life balance for: Individuals:

Less stress

Healthier life; less illness and other stress-related diseases

Longer life

Greater sense of fulfillment, calm, ease, and satisfaction

More time to do what you WANT to do rather than what you HAVE to do

Greater clarity about your goals and purpose

Better relationships

More time with family, friends, and other relationships

Greater sense of spirituality

More time for health-related activities Families:

Parents have more time with their children

Families have an opportunity to have closer relationships

Children learn the benefits of work-life balance because it is modeled by their parents

Companies:

More productive workforce

Happier work-force

Less stress on the job

Less illness and sick time

* * *

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Self Study Debrief Questions

Answer the debrief questions below, and then return to this module. What did it feel like to reflect on the benefits of

having more work-life balance?

Which of these is missing in your life?

What one – three of these consequences feels most important for you to pursue?

* * *

Caregiving Work-life balance takes effort. It requires paying more attention to your life than you may be accustomed to. It requires intentional thought, planning, and sometimes saying no. It requires a plan for self care and respite care for both you and your care recipient. It may feel uncomfortable, awkward, or unnatural at first. Some people may experience shame or guilt if they are not successful at improving their work-life balance. On the flip side, some people feel guilty for taking time for themselves or their families. These are lose-lose scenarios. 3 TIPS FOR HANDLING CAREGIVER GUILT

1. When the guilt comes on, think about this….if

you wear your body out, where are you going to live?

2. Think of the fact that the strongest thing you

could do sometimes is to ask for help.

3. Taking time for yourself is an investment in the life of the person you are caring for because when you take time to care for yourself, you will not only become a better caregiver but you will also be able to care for a long time.

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Remember, achieving balance is a process and it takes time and your health, happiness and well-being are worth it.

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Module #4 What Influences My

Caregiving Work-Life Balance? Welcome to Module #4 of the coaching program on Finding Caregiving Work Life Balance. To really understand work-life balance, we need to look beyond what we want to achieve and how we want to be fulfilled, and look at the factors that influence our work-life balance.

The power to improve your work-life balance lies in your ability to recognize what is minimizing your work-life balance and what you can do to maximize it. Next, you are going to dig deeper and identify some of the internal and external factors that can influence your ability to improve your work-life balance.

* * *

Self Study Activity

If work-life balance was easy we’d probably all have it. But, it’s a dynamic, ever-changing process that can seem more elusive than attainable. And there are many things in life that create obstacles between you and work-life balance. Here is a fun exercise to illustrate this point. Please stand up. Next, balance on one leg only, lifting your other foot off the ground. Remain in this position for about 30 seconds, doing your best to remain in balance. After 30 seconds, sit down. There are many things that negatively influence your inability to maintain balance. There are internal influences that relate to a person’s thoughts and feelings such as thoughts like, “I’m too clumsy to balance” or “I don’t think my leg is strong

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enough for this.” There are also external influences such as standing on an uneven surface, or someone or something bumping into you. Similarly, there are things that positively influence your ability to maintain your balance.

There are internal factors that positively support your ability or desire to keep your balance such as thoughts and feelings like, “I CAN do this” or imagining yourself as a tree with deep roots that provide a feeling of stability.

There are also the external factors that are positively supporting your ability to keep your balance, such as leaning on someone or something or utilizing your skills from a yoga class. As illustrated in this example, external influences are the factors that are found in a person’s environment and may be beyond a person’s immediate control. Still, they can influence work-life balance in either a positive or negative way.

Possible examples:

o Negative/distracting: a mean or demanding boss, a sudden expense that causes you to have to work more hours, a change in the health status of your care recipient.

o Positive/supportive: easy access to business opportunities or resources, a supportive family, no mortgage payment.

Internal influences are the factors that are inside the person and generally (but not always) within the control of a person. Many of these internal influences relate to mindset:

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Possible examples:

o Negative/distracting: limiting beliefs, a victim mentality, poor health habits, or a lack of awareness.

o Positive/supportive: a leadership mindset, strong education or experience, belief in oneself, courage, a good and effective respite plan.

* * *

Self Study Activity

Take out Worksheet #2 – Finding the Balance Point. Locate the four small boxes in each corner of the sheet. Write inside the four boxes as follows:

upper left Positive External Influences upper right Negative External Influences lower left Positive Internal Influences lower right Negative Internal Influences

Now it’s your turn to identify the factors that you feel personally influence your ability to find work-life balance and place them within each of these four quadrants of your work-life diagram. Direct your attention to the top half of the sheet. Review the general categories on the top of the worksheet and place the examples in the Positive quadrant or Negative quadrant, as applicable. If a category doesn’t apply, disregard it. If the category is too broad and you would like to be more specific, do so. If there are other factors not listed that impact you, write them down. Keep in mind that the same influence can be positive and negative in your life. If you have influences like this, weigh them and whichever influence is heavier, put it there.

Handout –

Worksheet #2 - Finding the

Balance Point

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For example, in a work environment: A person might have a very flexible work

schedule where their work times are different each week. To them, a flexible work schedule may be a positive influence because it gives them free time during the day to run errands and to have lunch with friends.

This flexible work schedule may also be a

negative influence because they have difficulty planning from week to week or they have child-care issues that work better with a consistent schedule.

When you have completed this activity, return to this module.

* * * Next, direct your attention to the lower half of the Activity Sheet. As you did with the external influences, review the general categories on the bottom of your worksheet and place them in the Positive quadrant or Negative quadrant, as applicable. If a category doesn’t apply, disregard it. If the category is too broad and you would like to be more specific, do so. If there are other factors not listed that impact you, write them down. When you have completed this activity, return to this module.

* * *

Self Study Debrief Questions To complete this module, answer the debrief questions below.

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What were some of your most significant influences and what quadrant did you place them in?

What are the implications of the negative influences you identified? (left side of the Activity Sheet)

What are the implications of your positive influences? (right side of the Activity Sheet)

How easy or difficult was this for you to do?

Did you feel guilty and if so, which of the tips

helped you through that feeling of guilt?

* * *

IT’S ALL ABOUT CHOICES

Everyday, we make choices about our pace and quality of life and many of these are unconscious. While it is a great thing that we don’t have to think about every little choice we make, when it comes to creating balance between our multiple roles as caregivers, our work related activities and the rest our life activities, it is a great idea to wake up and smell the proverbial coffee. Otherwise, we find ourselves living with the effects of our choices such as feeling overwhelmed, out of control and unhealthy.

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Module #5 Improving Your Work-Life Balance

Welcome to Module #5 on Finding Caregiving Work Life Balance. In the last module you identified the positive and negative internal and external influences that impact your work-life balance. It’s great to know the positive influences in your life, so you can continue to keep applying those in your life. But you also want to be aware of the negative influences so you can take action to minimize them.

* * *

Self Study Client Activity

Take out Activity Sheets #2 & 4 – Finding the Balance Point and Accentuate the Positive. Follow the instructions on Activity Sheet #4. You will:

- Identify one negative influence, internal or external from Activity Sheet #2 that is hindering your work-life balance that you would like to change. Write it in the space provided on Activity Sheet #4.

- Identify one positive influence, internal or external, from Activity Sheet #2 that supports a better work-life balance. Write it on the space provided on Activity Sheet #4. This should be an influence that you want to maximize or develop more of.

- Write down one action you will take to minimize

the negative influence and one action that you will take to maximize the positive influence.

Handout –

Activity Sheet #2 – Finding the

Balance Point and Activity Sheet #4 –

Accentuate the Positive

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When you have completed this activity, return to this module.

* * *

Self Study Debrief Questions To complete this module, answer the debrief questions below.

What did you discover when you were selecting a negative and positive influence?

How did it feel to identify an action? What will need to happen in order for you to

commit to this? How will using these steps support you in

the process of improving your work-life balance?

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Module #6

Locking it in Welcome to the final module on Finding Caregiving Work Life Balance. In this short time you have discovered a simple, yet powerful strategy for getting your life back into balance. You have explored:

- How precious your time is each day, - What work-life balance is, and your current state of

balance, - What are the consequences of work-life imbalance, - What are the consequences of having a balanced life, - What actions to take to improve your imbalance, and

enhance your current level of balance. Being aware of both the positive and negative, internal and external factors and applying strategies to change or enhance them is the secret to your happy, healthy, well-balanced life.

* * *

Self Study Activity

For the final activity in this program, take out Worksheet #5 –Staying in Balance. To complete this program, look over your notes and identify two important points you will take forward and apply in your life to create AND maintain balance. Write your two takeaways on each side of the scale.

Handout –

Worksheet #5 - Staying in Balance

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It is my hope that one of your strategies to maintain caregiving work life balance is to develop a respite plan for yourself and for your care recipient. If you need assistance in designing an effective respite plan, please reach out to us at the Caregiver Relief Network. After you have completed work sheet # 5 and writing down your two takeaways on each side of the scale, keep this image and two tips in a place where you can see them and be reminded of the importance of maintaining a life of balance. When you have completed this activity, return to this module.

* * * Congratulations on completing the coaching program on Finding Caregiving Work Life Balance – Reclaim Your Time & Your Life and Then Live a Fulfilled Life.

Remember, that life balance isn’t something you achieve once and stay there. It requires small constant adjustments to keep you on track. But the key is to continually make those small adjustments as they are needed, instead of waiting until they become big adjustments later. Giving your life-balance the attention it needs and deserves will ensure you a life of health, happiness and well-being.

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Activity Sheets

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Activity Sheet # 1 How Do I Want To Be Remembered?

Close your eyes and imagine:

You are very near the end your life. You are peacefully looking back over what you have achieved, what difference you have made in the world, and how you will be remembered.

Answer the following questions: How do I want to be remembered?

What did I do that mattered?

What will I have done that will give me a truly good feeling at the end of

my life? How have I best fulfilled my own unique potential?

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Activity Sheet #2 Finding the Caregiving Work Life Balance Point

DEFINITIO N:

Family Friendships Home Money/Finances Career Obligations Resources Employer/Employees Boss Stakeholders

Habits Emotions Life Purpose Values Knowledge Mindset Beliefs Priorities Skills Perspectives Passion Experience The Past Goals Self-Awareness

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Activity Sheet #3 On the See-Saw of Life

Fill out the items on this page as you complete the modules in the program.

1.

According to the Corporate Executive Board:

Only _______% of employees feel they have a good work-life balance.

2.

Implications of the research: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3.

The consequences of work-life imbalance in my life:

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4.

The consequences of work-life balance in my life:

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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Activity Sheet #4 - Accentuate the Positive

1. Working from Activity Sheet #2, identify one negative influence, internal or external, that is hindering your work-life balance that you would like to change…and write it in the space below.

2. Next, identify one positive influence, internal or external, from Activity Sheet #2 that supports a better work-life balance…and write it on the space provided below. This should be an influence that you want to maximize or develop more of.

3. By narrowing your focus and selecting just two influences to work on, you won’t overwhelm yourself. You can put more effort into making these changes. Then, when you’re ready, you can pick two more influences to work on – one negative and one positive.

4. Finally, write down one action you will take to minimize the negative influence and one action that you will take to maximize the positive influence.

The negative factor I want to minimize or eliminate is:

The action I will take to minimize or eliminate it is:

The positive factor I want to maximize or enhance is:

The action I will take to maximize or enhance it is:

REMEMBER: Work-life balance does not magically happen. It takes effort to utilize the resources that are a positive influence. Making a commitment to change your relationship to these influences is an essential step in improving your work-life balance.

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Activity Sheet #5 - Staying in Balance

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Handout Balancing Choices

DEFINITION: Work-life balance is the dynamic relationship between achievement and fulfillment,

and the influences that either distract us or support us (positive or negative). REMEMBER: Work-life balance does not magically happen. It takes effort to utilize the

resources that are a positive influence. Making a commitment to change your relationship to these influences is an essential step in improving your work-life balance.

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Additional Coaching Activities

Caregiving, Work, Life Balance: Reclaim Your Life & Your Relationships

& Then Live a More Fulfilling Life.

Self-Study Coaching Follow Up

Congratulations on completing the course. I like to invite you for a follow discussion about what you have learned in this course. Follow up debriefing question:

• What is a less-than-desirable outcome in your life, relationships, or career did you encounter this week?

• What was your response? • What action did you take to minimize or eliminate the situation? • What action did you take to maximize or enhance the situation? • What did you learn from being more aware of your levels of achievement and

fulfillment? • What did you learn by noticing the influences that either distract or support you? • How will you use this learning to address your ongoing work-life balance?

---------------------------

OTHER HELPFUL QUESTIONS

• Name something that this program has helped you to improve. Give at least one

detailed success story. • What are the positive consequences of this improvement in your life? • What new perspective have you been able to own as a result of this coaching

program? • What one or two things do you want to continually focus on?

.