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- So Simple….Then Why Don’t You Do It!
- Work & Play: Striking A Balance
By Tim Clarke, VP Transportation & Commercial Sales
Added September 15, 2009
Recently, I was recently having a “date night” with my partner of twenty-two-plus years, and after my seventh or eight work-related phone call, she said to me, “You know we’re on a date tonight; is there any way you can turn that off? You need to find better balance in your life”.
While the phone didn’t get turned off, her comments certainly caught my attention, and after some analysis, I decided that this would become the topic of my first blog post.
For many of us, striking the perfect balance between work and play is difficult, even at the best of times. Each day, we carefully and methodically plan our time, resources and energy for our employer, peers, significant other, kids, other family members, friends, pets, charities and – in a perfect world – ourselves. The slightest change in our day can upset the balance, and has the potential of bringing everything crashing down. Can you spell s t r e t c h e d, or for many of today’s families, stressed?
Quiz: Have you ever…
- Talked business on your cell phone while at a family event?
- Greeted your spouse or partner at the door after work and – to help with meaningful conversation – asked him/her to please follow you around the house as you hang your coat, change clothes and check the mail?
- Stayed up late at home working on emails while finishing household chores and listening to Late Night TV as the rest of your household sleeps?
- Sat at home having dinner, while reading email, texting and watching television?
- Gone for a walk or any other “exercise event” and read email, texted or talked on your cell phone?
If you answered Yes to any of these questions, you may be Stretched, Stressed or BOTH.
In a world that is changing, as you read this blog, along with the ever increasing pressures on work and family, is it possible to strike a perfect balance between Work & Play? Some would suggest the answer is no while others would suggest there is hope and like many things in life, the answer is within you. Only you have the power to change, if change is needed.
Consider some of these TIPS to keep your world in check in an attempt to strike your perfect balance:
Tip # 1 – Food, Exercise and Sleep. A balanced diet, along with regular exercise and choosing an early rise over a late bedtime, will go a long way to keeping you healthy in both mind and body.
Tip # 2 – Keep a Sharp Mind. Read a book, surf the internet, take a course, go back to school. Remember this: “Life is Full of Choices.” Making the right ones through sound knowledge will go a long way to support both work and family.
Tip # 3 – Get Out & Enjoy Life. Are you sitting home watching re-runs during “downtime”? If you answered yes, get out and enjoy what life has to offer. It doesn’t have to be expensive. It can be as simple as walking, running, hiking or biking. Or, it can be going to see a concert or a night of dancing. Anything to let you get some of the “stress factors” out of your mind and body. If you have a significant other, a weekly “date night” can also go a long way to promoting a healthy relationship. And remember, Home Health can help with Work Health.
Tip # 4 – Too Much Work and Not Enough Play. Ask yourself, “Do I work too much”? The answer to this could be in whether you answered Yes or No to the Quiz above. Ask this question of your spouse, partner, children or other family members. The answer may surprise you.
Tip # 5 – Plan Your Day. The old adage “Having No Plan is a Plan to Fail” holds true in trying to find a work & play balance. Plan each day and become healthier and happier both at work and at play. Keep in mind, whatever sacrifices you make, your family also makes.
So, what does all this mean? In this every changing world of ours, work health and play health are extremely important. No one ever said it was going to be easy to keep them separate and find the happy balance between the two, however if you follow the five tips above, they may help you achieve a little bit of balance on days when it seems chaos reigns.
And remember, your cell phone has an “off button.” Use it once in awhile to give you some valuable time with family. They’ll appreciate you that much more.
Care to comment? Please share your thoughts on this topic with the author.