Photo by Marion Michele on Unsplash

When I did the time & money exercise recently I was surprised how much of both centred on work activities and how little on personal activities; this includes the necessary things like sleep, exercise and healthy eating and the other necessary things like friends, laughter and play. While I can do either for a while eventually I need to bring back a balance of both.

Most of us live in a world of being on call 24 hours a day and it’s easy to get drawn into it without realising:

• The phone calls that HAVE to be answered
• The emails that MUST be replied to
• The client, boss or manager that CANNOT be left until later.

Fluid work hours, multiple easy access communication channels and social media that double as both can either be an anchor that drags us down or a tool to live life in a way that works for us. Whilst we may not work 9-5 hours and switch off in between we can plan (and use) our time differently and bring in some much needed balance and personal time.

Small things can make the difference:

• Turn off your phone or choose to let it go to voice mail
• Turn off distracting notifications – stay focused on what you’re doing
• Eat lunch away from your desk and anything work related
• Walk around the block – breathe in some fresh air, move your body, clear your head, plan what’s next
• Make time for a catch up with your family, your best friend, those who are important to you – even a phone catch up, a 10 minute drop in, a note to say you’re thinking of them will help you both feel connected again and that life really is worthwhile
• Include social time and activities in your calendar – things that make you laugh with people you enjoy being with – what is it for you? A live show, a movie, a challenging walk, a dinner party – you choose and then make it happen.
• Say “no” sometimes – honour what you need and do that instead.
• Be okay with flexible hours

Mostly, be present to what you are doing and enjoy this time as something much needed for a balanced you.

All work and no play are likely not only making you a dull person you’re probably also feeling stressed most of the time as well.  Start small by adding some white spaces into your calendar, set yourself work hours (and stick to them), finally make plans to do those fun (non-work) related activities and see the difference it makes to you, to your life, and to how you do things.

Not sure what to do with yourself if you’re not doing work activities? Contact me to find out how partnering with a life coach can help you blend work and play your way.