If you’re finding that you spend more time at work than you used to, and you’re feeling more stressed about it, there are many others in the same situation. For many people, it’s becoming more difficult to balance work and home priorities. Stress contributes to mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, and it can also harm your body.

A difficult economy is causing some people to log more hours for fear that they could lose their jobs. Of course, much of this is out of your control. Still, expert psychologists argue that you still have the power to make time for yourself. By focusing on things you can control, you make your life more enjoyable.

Start by adding time for yourself to your schedule. This includes activities that you get personal enjoyment out of, as well as time with friends, family, and your significant other. This gives you something to look forward to. This not only helps prevent burnout, it makes you take your scheduling more seriously so that you don't end up cancelling your plans. Planning some time for yourself each day may also be very helpful.

Another thing you can do to create a better balance is eliminate habits that wasting your energy or your time. For example, you might want to limit yourself to checking your email only once a day, schedule your social media time, and reduce the amount of time you spend on the phone. Activities that don't contribute much to your personal satisfaction, your relationships, or your career can easily make their way into your daily routine. Make a habit out of analyzing your habits to determine whether they are worth your time.

You might also want to consider eliminating some of your errands. You may want to replace trips to the store with online shopping. You could hire a neighbor to mow your lawn and do the gardening, or trade errands with friends so that you can focus on the chores you are best at or enjoy more.

Odd as it might sound, adding exercise into your daily routine could actually end up saving you time. The extra energy helps you focus and get things done faster. You may be surprised just how much time you spend spacing out because your body and mind are out of energy. Just a half hour of exercise every other day can make an astonishing difference.

For more on counseling and mental health, follow Solace Counseling on Twitter and Facebook.