Because I spend my days strategizing and coaching and consulting and writing and managing and taking care of the home front, I need a physical release. So the key to achieving balance for me is to make sure I go to the gym four to five times each week.
But doesn't that take a lot of time? It sure does, especially since I'm not there for just a quick 30 minute workout. So, exactly why do I do it? Because it keeps me sane. It keeps me energized. It improves my concentration. It makes me more efficient and creative and likeable. It keeps me in balance. I get back far more than I put in.
And I know what happens if I don't go!
Whenever I get so focused on work and think that I don't have time to go to the gym, several things happen. My productivity goes down. You'd think that spending more hours working without a break would allow me to get more work done. Quite the contrary. I slow down and get brain lock. I feel antsy and can't seem to focus. Worse still, I become grumpy ... grumpy with my co-workers, my spouse, my kids. I lose my creativity. I don't sleep as well, which affects my ability to work, and on and on. I'm out of balance.
All work and no play makes me a dull girl. However, once I add going to the gym back into my routine, life seems to fall in place. I'm happier and creative again. I get more done, more efficiently. I sleep better, and so it goes.
In contrast, if someone is physically active all day, they might need to do something restful for the body or something that's mentally challenging.
I think of the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, who have made such a mark on the world of women's professional tennis. Their father made sure they grew up like normal kids, able to pursue a range of interests and find some balance in their incredibly rigorous training and travel schedule. They design clothes in their free time. They also love to go to museums. How different they are from the parade of young girls who were pushed into being professionals at an early age and never focused on anything but tennis. One after the other of these poor kids rebelled or burned out or just quit. The stress was too great. The enjoyment was stripped out of it.
So, think about it for yourself. If you could do one thing to put balance in your life what would that be? Maybe it's just taking 30 minutes to do something you love every day, regardless of what you have on your plate. Maybe it's a night out with adults if you're alone with the baby all day. Maybe it's meditating. Maybe it's taking the time to incorporate more salads and fresh vegetables into your meals. It could be anything.
Lord knows, we ask a lot of ourselves in these modern times. And it's so easy to find yourself in a state of overwhelm. Living a high-velocity life is great! But you have to take care of yourself. You can't just tunnel in and push harder.
So play big, but remember. A full life ... in balance ... that's what it's all about.
Regards,
Barbara
