We’re discussing work life balance. It’s SO important in today’s society, and many of us don’t actually know how to balance it.
I once read an article in the Huffington Post that said, the average person checks their mobile device 85 times a day.
And if you’re a blogger, times that by TWO (or three).
170-255 times a day. That’s a lot of email checking, social media, texting, etc. And for some reason, that number still seems small. No?
I mean, how does anyone get anything done when you’re checking your phone that many times a day? Right? Wrong.
We live in a world where we have instant access to everything. When I don’t know something, I ask Google. When I want to share something with someone (or everyone) there’s social media. When we don’t know where to eat, there’s an app to help you decide. And the list goes on…
There comes a point in life where we need to detach ourselves from this techy-driven world, and focus on something else. ANYTHING else.
Just like at the end of a day, we take all our make-up off and let our skin breath, we need to do the same with our phones, to let our minds breath. This is work life balance.
And this TOTALLY goes for me, btw. I’m fully aware of how many times a day I check my phone.
Which is why I’m writing this post.
Disconnecting can sometimes be hard.
Especially when you’re making a business of it. However lately, I’m finding that disconnecting and focusing on other things, is actually making my business more successful. You can’t possibly be successful at something if you’re constantly at it. Your mind needs a break. You need to shift your energy from one thing to another.
When it comes to blogging, disconnecting is CRUCIAL. If you’re constantly writing, you will run out of things to blog about. We all get writer’s block, and that’s totally fine. Stepping away, finding something else to do/see, HELPS.
So, today I’m sharing a few things on work life balance and how I balance things out.
4 WAYS TO HELP WITH WORK LIFE BALANCE.
Read.
I know, who has time to read, right? Especially if you’re a mom (or dad) that’s on the go. But we can ALL make time for reading. I was the biggest excuse-maker of life, when it came to reading. Trust me. And I’m not saying you need to set aside two hours a day or anything.
25-30 minutes is more than enough. And an actual physical book. You know, like made out of paper? I like to schedule 20 minutes before I go to sleep to get some reading done. However, I also LOVE reading articles online. I know, totally defeats what I’m saying about phones, however, sometimes, the best kind of knowledge is from those little articles that pop up on Facebook, Twitter, etc. It’s where I personally get very inspired.
Step Outside.
Yes, like outdoors. Well, it can be difficult when it’s -30 outside, but I’m sure we can find ways around that. Find time to step away from your phone, desk, folders, papers, etc, and enjoy a moment or two outside. Clearing your mind can be the best way to reconnect. When you look away from the normal stuff, that’s when you find inspiration. I know for me, stepping away and doing something that’s not something I usually do, is what inspires A LOT of my blog posts. Whether is a nature walk, a hike, a cup of coffee somewhere, or even people watching. Do something different.
Even with writing this post…Ive had to step away many, many times and come back to it with a fresh mind. You’ll surprise yourself when you actually come back to work on something with a fresh mind.
Book An Electronic Curfew.
Probably the hardest thing for a blogger to do, but needs to be done. (I’m still working on this, btw). As a blogger, I feel the need to always engage on social media. It’s the way I connect with you guys. I try my best to respond to Snapchat messages, Instagram comments, etc, but the best way to keep sane, is to actually set aside my phone and spend some ‘me’ time. You know, like without you guys. LOL. It may not make complete sense, but the only way to keep the blog successful is to actually shut off.
So, booking an electronic curfew is kind of essential. I’ll give myself an hour (usually during dinner) where I try not to touch my phone. I’ll put on a show or some music and just zone out for a bit.
Don’t Put Your Phone On The Dinner Table.
…Says every mom, ever.
She’s right. (And I’m totallllly guilty of doing this!) Dinner time, should be between you and whomever you’re eating with. We’re all guilty of doing this at some point. And yes, I get it. Sometimes, the food looks so good that we need to Snap it, Instagram it, Tweet it, etc…trust me, no one gets it more than I do. And I’m not saying that we can’t. But, take your picture, and put your phone away.
Have a conversation.
There you have it, guys. My four ways on handling work life balance. Try it and let me know what you guys think. I’m still working on all these, don’t worry.
I want to know how you guys disconnect, so share in the comments. And for those of you who are really good at it, tell us HOW you do it!
Ok, chat soon
Xx, kim
