Take
Time to Breathe
Don
Schmitz / Human Resource Staffing
Family
emergencies can change how we look at the world.
Recently,
my brother had to have his gall bladder removed and my brother-in-law
found out he has cancer. If there is anything to be learned
when family tragedies such as these occur, it is to view life
as a gift and not something to be taken for granted.
After
hearing about my family, I found it hard to apply myself to
my work. In spite of a very busy work schedule, I decided
to take a much needed break. I played some golf, did some
gardening, watched a couple Twins games and did a lot of thinking
about the gift of life.
Instead
of talking about it, I made some immediate changes about my
own work-life-balance.
This
is what I've discovered along the way;
•
Work can be fun---I needed to
not think of it “work as work” but instead “work as fun”.
I focused on the things I'm really good at instead of focusing
on the things I didn't want to do, I felt much better and
the day flew by.
•
Keep things simple---Instead
of complicating emails, TMI (too much information) I started
incorporating more text message language into my emails and
it was nbd (no big deal).
•
Take breaks during the day---I
like to walk and when I do my mind clears and I was able to
accomplish more in less time.
•
A nutritious lunch away from the office---I
tried to get out for a quick lunch every day the first week
but than found it easier and more fun to bring my lunch and
sit outside and enjoy the beautiful weather we've been having.
•
Think about someone else---We
all 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. I called my sister and brother.
After doing so, I didn't feel guilty about putting in some
good hard work (fun).
•
Get enough sleep---adequate sleep
is essential to our health and mental acuity. I practiced
some meditation and made it a habit to get to bed each night
without watching the news.
•
Exercise---There is no better
tool to maintaining healthy balance in our lives than a good
exercise routine. When I arrived home after work, I spent
time digging in the garden and going for walks.
I
know I still have a ways to go in my life balance, but now
the nervousness caused by family issues is better and so is
my family.
I
would be interested in hearing your thoughts about how you
“breathe” during the week. PWB (Please write back) Don@HumanResourceStaffingInc.com
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Reproduction
of this article cannot be accomplished without the expressed
consent of Human Resource Staffing. Don Schmitz is a popular
speaker and writer on all aspects of HR and CEO of Human Resource
Staffing. Don holds graduate degrees in Education, Administration
and Human Development.
Contact Don@HumanResourceStaffingInc.com
952 854 6040
