This article is written for people who work too hard, too much or for too long, whether it’s at home or in the workplace. These 10 tried and tested personal development suggestions are relevant to both work and home situations. If you’re tired and overloaded with things to do, these tips can help you!

When I started designing training programmes in the early 80s, Britain was coming out of the 70s slump, and all efforts were bent towards productivity and growth. Consequently, the aim of time management training was to help individuals to improve each shining hour – stuffing activity into every corner and pocket of their lives. There were skill-development tapes to listen to while travelling and even tapes to play during the night, so as to absorb the content subliminally while sleeping. Work was the focus. Efficiency was the watchword. The dried-out husks of burnout victims are testimony to this fevered approach.

20 or so years on, we’ve learned that balance and sustainability is important, although the trend will probably move in the direction of short-term productivity again in the wake of the recent downturn. Most of us are aware of the need to get the balance right, but find that doing so isn’t always that easy. Forward-looking organisations and academic institutions are also aware of that need to have a work-life policy in place.

Despite this, a British Labour Force Survey (LFS) conducted in 07/08 indicated that 13.5 million working days were lost because of work-related stress, depression or anxiety in that year. That makes it the most common reason for lost working time.

According to new research conducted by American Express Insurance Services, 82% of working people neglect important things in their home lives every week. Do you? Continue reading Top 10 Tips: Getting a Work-Life Balance →