Make
time to breathe
Don Schmitz/Human Resource Staffing
“Life's
happenings” can change how we look at the world and help us
balance our lives. Like many of you, I enjoyed a bit more
time for myself over the extended Thanksgiving weekend. Now
back at work, my to-do list looks much different.
A vast majority of the items that were critically important
before the break were no longer important.
So
is the answer, simply taking more time off? I can only wish,
however, a more practical answer lies in creating opportunities
to learn to “breathe” within a normal week.
The
phrase, “Life gets in the way” has something to do with my
recent happenings. Over the Thanksgiving weekend, I enjoyed
some great time with family and friends. Holiday lights were
strung on Friday and on Saturday I enjoyed time with
my grandchildren. Sunday, I had a long conversation
with my son in London and attended the wake of my uncle.
So how do we breathe during a busy week?
1.
Taking breaks during the day
Find
a simple easily accessible activity that requires your complete
focus, ideally something that forces you to move.
2.
A nutritious lunch away from the office
Most of us eat
our lunch at our desk while we try and catch up or check off
a couple of things on that “to do" list. We don't feel
satisfied after eating because we paid little or no attention
to what we were eating and we haven't given ourselves the
opportunity to shift gears and experience a little down time.
If you eat at your desk, try getting out of the office for
lunch once a week.
3.
Phoning, visiting or emailing a friend
We
need time for our personal relationships; good friendships
require attention. Don't be too busy to pick up the phone
and check in with a friend.
4.
Enough sleep
Our performance
on and off the job depends on getting the rest we need and
adequate sleep is essential to our health and mental acuity.
Find techniques that help you relax and sleep well.
5.
Exercise
The
cold weather is no excuse for not exercising. There is no
better tool to maintaining healthy balance in our lives than
an exercise routine.
I
would be interested in hearing what you do to “breathe” during
the week. Send your thoughts to; Don@HumanResourceStaffingInc.com
