Sep 11, 2015 Written by Guest
Growing up my dad went to work at 6:50 and returned from work at 4:50. Work was work and when he changed from his office clothes, work was over. There was no computer, cell phone, email, texting Skyping, tweeting, or linking. It was just over till the next day.
Today, my work starts when I wake and ends when I close my eyes. I often office from home, so there is no end of day, no leaving the office. Even when I office outside the home, the computer, tablet and phone come with me.
I know it's not just me, it seems that everyone I talk to tells me how busy they are. Is it technology, demands to be over- productive at work, the need to always appear to be the perfect parent, friend or spouse, or the feeling that you always need to be 'on'?
Whatever the reason may be, it doesn't look like life will be slowing down any time soon. So if you can't change the busy world we live in, you will need to change the way you react to it. The key just may be finding some balance in and unbalanced world.
Today, my work starts when I wake and ends when I close my eyes. I often office from home, so there is no end of day, no leaving the office. Even when I office outside the home, the computer, tablet and phone come with me.
I know it's not just me, it seems that everyone I talk to tells me how busy they are. Is it technology, demands to be over- productive at work, the need to always appear to be the perfect parent, friend or spouse, or the feeling that you always need to be 'on'?
Whatever the reason may be, it doesn't look like life will be slowing down any time soon. So if you can't change the busy world we live in, you will need to change the way you react to it. The key just may be finding some balance in and unbalanced world.
Here are a few ways to sneak balance into your day.
Find 'Me' Time
Most days before the break of dawn I'm up and out the door for a run or a Pilates class. This is pretty much the only time of day when my life is quiet. I really hate getting up early, but I love the time that is just mine.
Running may not be your thing, but I encourage you to find the time to do something that you love. Walk the dog, read, sip a cup of coffee... It may be 15 minutes or an hour, but take the time each day to do the activity that helps you balance and recharge.
Turn off your phone and be present during family time
I have always told my employees no phone calls between 7:30 pm and 7:30 am. This is my family time. I'll check my texts and respond to emergencies, otherwise this is time with my family. With technology always present, it is important to 'shut down the office'.
My kids are at an age where a phone is the extension to their hands. We have the rule of no phones at dinner and restaurants, and electronics must be docked 30 minutes before bed. This is a rule us adults should abide by as well.
Even without kids at home, having sometime each day where you are not 'on' is important. Take some time to log-off.
Find a way to balance vacation and family time
As an entrepreneur vacations can feel more like working remotely. In seven years I have only had two vacations where I was not somewhat plugged in, and that was because I traveled abroad to locations where access was limited.
It is important to unplug and gain perspective. If you really must work, do so where everyone is asleep so you can be present for the family time.
Stop and Be Grateful
Every conversation I've had this week has had some reference to being busy. Most conversations go, "How are you?" with the answer of, "I'm good, but busy." It is true we are all busy with multiple demands that seem never ending. It is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of life a never ending workload, and always one more thing to do. However, what good is all this work if we cannot stop for a moment and be grateful for what we have and the blessing we receive from all this hard work.
Think about your mind and body like electronics. If you don't recharge, you can't continue to work. Take the time to recharge, enjoy your life, and be grateful. It will make all the hard work more enjoyable.
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