New York city is a strange beast. So how does a girl from Texas find a balance between life and work in the Big Apple? As a young professional always striving for the best, is it possible to leave work and think of anything else but…well…work? Is it possible to switch from work mode to “relaxation mode” without feeling guilty in a world of deadlines, quotas, packed subways, and busy streets? I think so.

These are my 5 tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance:

1. Focus on Focus

We have a saying in Meltwater – “Focus on Focus.” At first, this may sound redundant… but these really are words to live by. If you are able to sit down at your desk each morning and prioritize your daily tasks for maximum efficiency, you really can accomplish everything on your “To do list”. It all boils down to “priorities.” What is the task at hand? What are the MOST important things to do TODAY?

If I’m able to strategize each morning it gives me a sense of accomplishment, and I leave the office knowing that any free time I may have is well deserved.

2. Slow DOWN and enjoy the present.

Life is so fast-paced these days, and the majority of people forget to stop and enjoy the things around them. In a mission to find a healthy balance for myself in New York City I made the decision to move within walking distance from Central Park. This may not seem like much, but it makes a world of difference for me in this concrete jungle. Whether it’s catching lightning bugs in my hands, or people watching on a bench … I rarely ever miss my evening excursion. Even just 15 minutes will sweep away all the stress I may have carried home with me on the subway. The park may not be everyone’s idea of slowing down, but you should find a place that fulfils that need after a hectic day in the office.

3. Make time for the ones you love

Sometimes you really just need someone who will let you rest your head on their shoulder and not say a single word. For me, this is my best friend … my pit bull terrier, Dakota. She loves me in the unconditional way that only a dog can, and puts a smile on my face the minute I walk through the door.

Whether it’s your sister, your father or your best friend from childhood, life after your workday will always be more fulfilling if you share a slice of your time with someone who really cares about you.

4. Do something just for YOU every single day!

At the end of a hard day, you deserve a little reward. It may be a massage, a piece of dark chocolate, a steak dinner with your best girlfriend and a limo ride home … (not all at once, of course). But every single day I like to do a little something for myself as a reward for simply being ME.

Even if that means something as simple as fresh flowers from the deli on the corner or window-shopping at Tiffany’s on your lunch break… The positive impact on your daily stress level can be incredible!

5. Say hello to Mr. Sandman

Some people only need 4, and other’s need 8, but getting your sufficient night’s worth of ZZZ’s is truly important. Work is going to feel like just that … “WORK” … if you’re running on empty.

There are one million and a half things to do in New York each and every night, but I chose one event a week that I simply can’t miss. Then I structure the rest of the work week around a sleeping schedule. So let yourself hit the snooze bar a couple of times before putting on that sunny disposition in the morning. Your colleagues will thank you!