People are busier than ever between work, family, activities and volunteering to help others. Now add your blackberry, pager, internet, and other tech savvy gadgets. I once worked with a woman that was so busy with her life that she wasn’t enjoying her life. She thought everything she had going on was so important, that keeping her cell phone attached to her hip every hour of the day was a necessity. She got caught up in the rat race of everything and needed some help taking a break and getting re-focused. Do any of you feel like your days just blend together with a lack of direction or purpose? Do you feel like you are in a hamster cage doing the same things over and over?
Take a Step Back
I think it is critical to take a step back every now and then in order to enjoy all of your hard work. I know from personal experience how easy it is to feel like you need to be near a computer or phone at all times. I also know that when there are times that you are not connected at the hip, the world continues to function just fine. There have been times that my family has taken vacations to small mountain resorts without access to the internet or cell service. At first it was uncomfortable and sometimes difficult, but over time we seemed to enjoy our time more. If you feel like your life has gotten to the point of autopilot, it may be time to step back and smell the roses. Take some time this week to put the technology away and leave work at work. See if you feel more refreshed and present in your life.
1. Turn it Off
Try turning your computer off and putting your blackberry away from time to time this week. If you are watching your kids soccer game, leave the phone in the car. Instead of rushing to your computer first thing in the morning, sit down with your family for breakfast and talk about the day. This exercise will teach you to be more in the moment and enjoy your life aside from work and obligations.
2. Appreciate Nature
This one is a biggie for me. Being surrounded by nature and the beauty of outdoors is meditative. When you are working like a racehorse, or carpooling kids here and there, it’s easy to put this at the bottom of your priority list. Just the act of getting some fresh air will rejuvenate you physically and emotionally. Take your lunch break and get in a brisk walk. Meet a friend early in the morning for a walk or ride. Use the week-ends as a time to explore your surroundings.
3. Leave Work at Work
How many of you feel like your work always finds you, no matter where you are or what you are doing? Of course there will times when you need to bring work home, but there is always a balance. This week I want you to be conscious of leaving work at the office. When you are home with the family or kids, be engaging with them. If you are out on a date, don’t constantly check your blackberry. Work will always be there, there will always be more to do, but in the process you are missing out on a huge chunk of your life.
