“You will never feel truly satisfied by work until you are satisfied by life.” ― Heather Schuck, The Working Mom Manifesto
“Those who feel satisfied with their personal lives are more satisfied with their careers and perform better.” ― Michael Hyatt, Living Forward: A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want
Are you picking up on today’s theme?
What is your definition of work/life balance? It does not mean sharing equal time between your work and life and there is no “one size fits all.” Work/life balance may vary over time. So what does it mean?
For some of us, finding a healthy work/life balance may seem like an impossible goal. Juggling heavy workloads, managing relationships, family responsibilities, and squeezing in outside interests. It is no surprise that more than one in four Americans describe themselves as “super stressed.” Yesterday I went to see “Shen Yun” with my daughter and a friend. I commented to my husband, “I am going to shift my mind away from my work and enjoy this.” Really?
We had worked all weekend cleaning up our basement (for any of you who have basements, you know what I’m talking about!). Saturday evening, I started working on the business. Sunday morning came, I worked up until the time I went to church. My husband and I grabbed (did I mention GRABBED) lunch and off I went to pick up the crew. I did enjoy the event and I always love spending time with my daughter.
Work Life Balance
I think I may have myself a little issue with my work/life balance! If I had been asked last week if I felt I had a good balance of the two, I would have said absolutely! Truth is, I am struggling.
I spent the last two coaching sessions with my business coach talking about how to use the same 24 hours we each get most effectively. As I look back at the last couple of weeks (months?), I realize I have not been putting enough “life” into my life. My favorite form of exercise is riding my bike. A good twenty miles does wonders for my body and mind. Hmmm, has this happened often lately? No wonder I am feeling stressed!
I believe a certain amount of stress to get us up and moving helps us to perform better. A little fire lit underneath doesn’t hurt. In my real life experience, too much stress leads to weight gain because I just “grab and go.” I am exhausted and watching the clock for 9:00 pm so I don’t feel guilty about going to bed and I am not concentrating on what I am supposed to be doing.
I recently read that chronic stress can actually double the chance of a heart attack! Reading that surely raised my blood pressure! It is time to put some manageable goals in place. Here’s what I have come up with:
THE CALENDAR
I will run the calendar; the calendar will not run me.
EFFICIENCY
Reaching goals gives me a sense of accomplishment and control. I need to break my goals into more realistic expectations. Breathe …
TAKE A BREAK
Most employers encourage breaks for their employees. Since I am my own employer, I am giving myself permission to take small breaks to give myself time to clear my head. That way, I will be ready to jump right back in with more energy and better clarity.
TUNE IN
Did you know that listening to music fosters concentration, reduces anxiety and reduces stress? When I worked in the corporate world, I would listen to music on the way home; my office is in my home now. Message received, bring on the tunes!
DON’T OVER COMMIT
Remember – your “no” is someone else’s “YES!”
STAY ACTIVE
Aside from being in good shape, exercise increases tolerance to stress and reduces sick days.
GET HELP IF YOU NEED IT
Don’t let stress get in the way of your happiness! Seek help from a professional if you are constantly overwhelmed. Taking care of yourself is a sign of strength!
It looks like I have my work cut out for me. However, I am looking forward to taking my own advice and finding my work life balance!
What are your plans to live and happier, more joyful life? Does it have something to do with your work and life balance? Put your plan in place … NOW!
Until next week, friend,
Live the Sacred Dance that is your life.
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