Six ways to refresh your family life

Work-life balance isn’t a destination. It’s a journey. (A journey that sometimes feels like it’s happening on a tightrope.) Here’s a trick that will have the crowd going wild: divide your day into small segments–15 minutes increments or by the hour, whatever works for you–and give yourself one goal to accomplish per segment. You’ll be crossing things off your list, just like magic.

Kids, pets, work, and the daily scheduling gauntlet can sometimes leave partners and spouses feeling a little...neglected. You’ve heard it before, but it’s true: date nights are critical. Treat them like you’d treat an important meeting: show up prepared, excited, and dressed to impress. Your spouse might just give you a promotion.

You know those days where you see the back of your kid’s phone more than their face. Get them to put down the text-machine and pick up a conversation. Get smart—create “No Phone Zones” in common areas, like the dinner table or the kitchen. Get physical—take a jog or a bike ride where phones just slow you down. Get creative. Make up your own method. Just get them talking!

Ah, technology. It can be our biggest distraction–but it can also be our productivity ally. Make your devices work as hard as you do. Productivity apps keep you focused and on task whether you’re assembling the troops for a family BBQ or putting together your packing list for a vacation. Sure, it takes a little discipline, but once you’re on top of your to-do’s, you can go right back to crushing that candy.

You and stress: you’re best frenemies. When you find time for relaxation, really commit to it. Skip the 10-minute nail salon massage and go for a full hour in a dark room. Lock your devices in the closet and meditate (Try it! You might like it!). Or try a long walk outside–just you, your thoughts, and the open road. Whatever you do to relax, give it 100%.