We often hear about work-life balance. When I hear this phrase it seems that our being consists of just two areas -- work and life. So what do we mean by life? It seems that our health and well being, family, love/romance, recreation/leisure and fun, our physical environment and spirituality are all lumped under a single label: life.
How can we bring more attention to the things that give us energy? What is it that I do that nourishes me? Do I spend enough quality time with my family and friends? Do I make time to reflect, meditate, journal, exercise, read, dance, listen to music or play music or do what I love at least 3 to 4 times a week if not everyday. What am I doing to live a life of purpose, meaning and fulfillment?
Being singularly focused on work can take you away from things that really matter. Furthermore, when we don’t take care of things in the life category, our work suffers. We are most productive and efficient when we are relaxed, so remember to take time to relax your mind and body so that you can give your work your best. Some tips: When you are working on a project, take a lunch break away from your desk and go for a walk and admire nature so your mind is having a break too. Or have a lunch with your colleagues and do not talk about your project. You will be surprised that little break will stimulate the creativity in you and bring in new ideas, new energy, and inspiration from nature or your co-workers. Albert Einstein said, “You can't solve a problem with the same mind that created it.” Sometimes we need to get away from work to break out of our same mind and thinking patterns in our work. Your “life” matters to your well being, and paying attention to your “life” brings your best self to work.
