The Need for Work/Life Balance

Balance of uptime and downtime;

Balance in your life means you are well rested, you don't feel the need for coffee or stimulants to keep you going and you are able to focus on your own. You will generally feel everything is doable and you don't have any excessive stress.

Uptime is anything that requires you to think. This is what we all do when we are "working." These are traditionally "left brain" activities such as processing emails, taking notes and analyzing information.

Downtime is anything you consider "fun" and does not require a lot of conscious thought. However, this need for balance can be a subjective idea

Switch it up;

It is important to actively schedule breaks into our work day. Make sure they are short periods of true mental disengagement.Professional athletes call this performing "dissociative activities." They know they need to balance periods of extreme concentration with a completely different activity.Even though their bodies are still clad in their uniforms their brains are completely removed from the previous tasks and are completely focused on something else

When we are trying to insert these types of activities into our daily personal lives we can do things in our off hours such as getting a massage, catching up with friends, shopping or learning a new skill. Using the right side of the brain in creative pursuits such as art can be tremendously relaxing for this very reason.

The need for balance varies from person to person and depends on your attention span. Find out how much balance you need. During the work day, experiment on small breaks at different times and find what works best for you.When you discover the pattern of breaks and rest that allows you to remain focused and productive you will have reduced your stress level and you will have more consistency in your daily routines. This self-management tip is key for your personal success and I hope that you will incorporate this into your life