Released: September 30, 2002

Program Helps People Maintain ‘Balance’ in Life

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Succeeding in the balancing act of life means figuring out what’s important and dividing time between these things, said Katey Walker, Kansas State University Research and Extension family resource specialist.

Along with a team of Extension specialists and agents, Walker developed materials to teach the importance of finding balance. Located on the Internet at www.oznet.ksu.edu/lifebalance/or at local Extension offices, the "Choose Life Balance" program offers fact sheets, self-study courses, management tips and workshops.

"The program started four years ago in response to a request for people looking for ways to release stress and balance their lives between personal time, work, family and community," Walker said. "Many wanted to allocate time in each of these areas, however they felt they had too much to do and could not find time for other things."

The material addresses issues such as stress management, time management, communication, organization, delegating, goal setting and decision making.

"The program encourages views beyond work versus family," Walker said. "It applies to single adults and people of all ages in a broader sense of balance to make decisions."

With a balanced perspective to life, Walker said productivity becomes more important than being busy.

"Many people fall in a ‘busy-ness’ trap without thinking if the activities they’re involved in are worthwhile," she said. "Set goals and decide where you spend time. Just like money, you can’t spend time twice because once it’s gone, it’s gone."

Extension agents have applied the curriculum to a series of short-term workshops.

"The sessions are well received," Walker said. "Many people say they know these principles, but the ideas fail to be put into action. It’s a good reminder to think about what individuals want to accomplish."

Choose Life Balance begins by looking at a person’s goals to establish a baseline of the important values in life.

"Think broadly about what sorts of things you want to spend time on," Walker said. "Take a look at skill areas and find ways to get to where you want to be."

Walker suggested identifying the factors that cause stress and work immediately on correcting those areas. For instance, if procrastination seems to be a reoccurring trait, focus on getting things done ahead of time.

"Get specific on the details," she said. "Don’t try to change things all at once. Keep the overall picture of where you want to be."

Open communication among family or coworkers allows for additional understanding from their end, as well as encouragement and motivation to reach one’s goals.

"Individuals tend to do better in reaching goals if family and others know they are seeking better balance," she said. "Set aside time for hobbies by making appointments with yourself."

Many report feeling guilt about saying ‘no’ to invitations. Walker said that by declining offers, individuals say ‘yes’ to previously committed projects.

Complementing the program, Choose Life Balance distributes daily reminder cards as a support.

"Take a few moments at the beginning of the day and set priorities," she said. "This will help you get important things first, without worrying about the trivial. Work smarter, not harder."

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Lucas Shivers, Communications Assistant
lshivers@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News