Balance

During the past week, I have sensed a little more work-stress than I have thus far... Could it be the inside days? Upcoming conferences? Mid-winter blues?  Remind yourself to breathe... we will get through this!!  These next two weeks are busy.  Be sure to give yourself permission to breathe, and remind yourself of the importance of balance between home and work.

Several years ago, a study looked at professionals from around the world on how they balance their personal and professional lives. As you will see from the results of his survey, the responses provide some food for thought. 

Define Yourself by Something Other than Work:

• Have hobbies or do volunteering
• Always take at least one day off a week from schoolwork

Be Realistic:

• Expect to have periods when you are not productive-you need down time. 
• Avoid trying to meet unrealistic deadlines; prioritize deadlines that matter and try to work on them early

Family:

• Place family first is a common response, some indicated they didn't do this and have regrets
• Have a set time of going to and leaving work every day

Professional Lives:

• Copy what others do to work efficiently
• Let things slide that don't really matter; don't be a perfectionist about your own work or that of your students
• Learn to say no (less time is spent on guilt than on doing the project if you said yes)

Best Advice:

Personal life is the energy supply for professional life; about three times every day I need to sit back and really appreciate something in my life.