Summer is here in full swing.
I know this is a very busy time for all of you in your stores and in life.
When we get so busy, it is sometimes hard to remember to find that balance between work and home.
It must be the time of year when we all forget about that because I've seen a number of articles come across my desk and to my mailbox about "work-life" balance.
When we get out of balance it causes problems at every turn and we are unhappy.
That grumpiness permeates everything we do and impacts our family, friends, co-works and customers.
One of my employees said to me the other day, "Is everything ok?"
When I replied, "Yes" he said, "You have your Monday face on."
That really made me think about how people can tell when you are stressed, mad, happy, worried.... without even saying a word.
I'm trying to take bits and pieces from the work-life balance articles I've seen lately and try to get rid of that "Monday Face" and appreciate the abundant, great life I have!
Here's a few thinks that I've found are easy and helpful!
* Drop activities that sap your energy and where you are not getting a positive return for you're your time and talents.
* Get out and get some exercise.
It's amazing what even a short walk around the block can do for you.
* Force yourself to slow down and take some time for yourself.
Build downtime into your schedule if you have to.
Turn a bad day around by: - Pinpointing the concrete reason for your frustration and address it immediately
- Writing down and recite three things you are grateful for
- Chose not to be a victim of your frustration and make a conscious effort to be positive
- Set realistic expectations for your day
Your emotions, positive or negative, can be contagious, so choose to be positive.
It will not only help you to be happier and more productive, but it will hopefully rub off on those around you.
Have a safe and Happy 4th of July! Bridgitte Konrad
City of North Branch | 
