Mar

17

Recharging the Battery

Filed Under Work life balance issues, Working smarter not harder | 1 Comment

We are conditioned to think that when the going gets tough the tough gets going. In today’s business environment, people are asked to do more with less. That means longer work hours, less pay, less time off; overall we are in survival mode.

What else can we do? People are losing their jobs, the well is running dry, and the forecast is bleak. How do we go about maintaining our stamina while juggling our lives and not losing ourselves in the process?

Numerous studies suggest that long working hours, the inability to do what one loves and enjoys, and not honoring our personal priorities can lead to burnout. What good is that?

No matter what, we can’t stretch time. There are only 24 hours in a day and 7 days in a week. It becomes then a question of managing ourselves and our energy and not just focusing on managing our time.

It has been observed and documented that when people take care of themselves consistently and “recharge their battery” – sort-of-speak -  they perform better and avoid burnout.

Taking care of your body is a good place to start. Begin with the basics.

  • How do you sleep? Do you feel rested when you wake up or not?
  • What is your ritual before bedtime? Do you eat late? Do you drink? Do you smoke?
  • Do you work up until bedtime?
  • Do you tend to go to bed irritated and anxious?

Try all or some of the following and see if it makes a difference in how you feel the day after:

  • Eat a healthy meal no later than 8 pm;
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine after 6 pm;
  • Take a shower or a bath before bedtime;
  • Avoid watching late night TV;
  • Do something that helps you relax; Forget about work, it will be there tomorrow;
  • Take 10-15 minutes before bedtime to meditate.

Comments

One Response to “Recharging the Battery”

  1. Eleni on July 21st, 2009 5:25 am

    Very true indeed! I am trying to practice these concepts in everyday living . it’s not easy. Thank you for the reminder.
    Is there a part II? I am looking forward to it.

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