Today I thought I would shake things up a bit and go with a more introspective approach for this entry. I am sure most you are familiar with the daily grind of always being on the go. The world we live in tries to take every ounce of energy we have to fulfill its needs. Today I beg the question, “Do you fulfill your own needs?”
I have a saying I tell myself daily. “Do not live to work. Work to live.” I know it is easy to get in a routine where all one thinks about is work. I have a job where it is extremely easy to do. Yes, our office is open nine to five, but the nature of my job goes beyond such time constraints. It is so easy to get wrapped up in work I often forget to take time for myself. When this happens I go right back to my saying “Do not live to work. Work to live.”
Here is where I am going with this. There are a few key things I try to do in order to get out of my work rut and focus on myself. Now not all of these things may be for you, but it is a place to start. The whole point of this is to take some time to reflect on yourself and how to become a happier you.
Work Hard, Play Harder
We all have a passion. My suggestion to you is find something you really enjoy doing, no matter how small, and make time to do this thing twice a week. For me, it is a few things. I enjoy writing and I find pleasure in reading or playing a video game a couple nights a week. This takes my mind off of work and allows me to refresh and relax even during the most stressful of days.
Release Those Endorphins
Stress can build and build when all you think about is work. I find it very therapeutic to spend a few nights (or mornings) a week at the gym. I know the gym is not for everyone, but just try and find something active you enjoy and do it. The hardest part is actually getting up off the couch! I have never regretted a single workout I have ever done, so give it a shot and see where it takes you. And the key part, just have fun with it!
Treat Yourself
When swamped with work, family life, etc. the one person we often forget about is our self. I know I do anyway. What I mean by this is find take a few hours and go do something you like to do, but splurge a little bit. I don’t mean monetarily, I mean emotionally. For me, I enjoy a nice trip to the local vineyard or documentary. Just spending some quality me time with, well, me, makes all the difference.
Appreciate the Have’s, not the Have Not’s
Pretty self-explanatory here, you have many blessings in your life whether you see them or not. It is important to recognize what you have, and take joy in it. I may work a lot of hours and get stressed beyond belief sometimes, but then take a look out my window and see my sons playing and smiling. It is all a matter of perspective and choosing what to focus on. Just remember, enjoy what you do, but enjoy who you are more. Enjoy life, people!
With that, I leave you with a quote from the famous Henry David Thoreau… “What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.”
– Joseph Butler, CEO
