Reading Time - Estimated At Approx One Minute (more if you explore)
Smile Factor - Learning Balance Will Help You Smile More
Biz Take Away - The Importance Of Rest
Ever have a moment in life that when you replay it later, you just cringe? Yet when you are in it - deep in the experience - there is nothing but raw emotion? Those fantastically "slow motion" moments when it is all happening and you just can't stop it?
Oftentimes you even recognize you are in the moment, but it is as if you can't do anything about it. Like you are a spectator. It is like you are stumbling in the dark to find the "pause" button. You are just stuck in "play" or, even worse, "fast forward" mode with no escape.
Well it happened to me. After 16 years in my professional life, it was me standing there stuck in "fast forward" and not having a clue where the "pause" button was. After weeks of going non-stop with work and little rest, I was in a weakened state...so the attack was impactful.
It was like a scene out of a western. There I stood worn out by my journey and there my opponent stood. Tumble weed rolling through and dust clouding our vision. They stood firm in their strong opinion; eyes piercing and challenging. This was not the first time that someone was threatening to pull out their gun of criticism at me. In fact, after years of experience it should be known that I am somewhat of an expert in these matters; often able to defuse the worst of situations.
Not this time. This time, I reached out for my weapon of defense. I pulled it out and aimed. Somewhat dusty, it backfired. Wounded - I dragged myself out of there leaving a trail of regret. As I headed home, nursing my wounded ego, I reflected on the scene. Why had I moved towards the weapon of defense instead of choosing the wisdom many years of experience has taught me?
Then it hit me. A simple concept. . . when we are exhausted, we don't allow ourselves time to process, regenerate or recharge; breaking down our senses and leading us to bad decisions. Weeks of endless work days, no sleep or exercise will, without doubt, weaken the system (at least for most of us) and blur our vision.
The longer we go depriving ourselves of rest, the more we drain ourselves of the energy that makes us tick. Rest is the source of what gives us creativity and keeps us balanced. Without this resource, we make ourselves vulnerable and cut ourselves off from being the best we can be. We become no longer equipped for the daily encounters that come our way and we set ourselves up for injury.
So what do we do when there seems to be no other choice? What do we do when a project demands around the clock work? What do we do when there is "no choice?"
Here are some great resources that help you identify what may cause you to lose it and tips on how to find the balance you need.
JOB BURNOUT; SPOTTING IT AND TAKING ACTION
Get tips from the experts at the Mayo Clinic.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/burnout/WL00062
DELETE IT, DEFER IT OR DELEGATE IT - JUST GET IF OFF YOUR PLATE
Kent Blumberg talks about Stephen Covey's priorities quadrant from his book; The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.
http://kentblumberg.typepad.com/kent_blumberg/2007/08/top-12-ways-to-.html
9 QUICK TIPS ON HOW TO MANAGE THE "OVERWHELM"
This is the quick fix on how to manage when you are thick into it.
https://www.authenticpromotion.com/work-life-balance/work-life-balance-manage-overwhelm.html
A long time mentor of mine reminds me that with rest we actually are more effective. While we may think that we need to push ourselves through until we are at our end, the truth is that keeping up with those things that replenish us (exercise, good nutrition, rest, etc.) will actually empower and equip us to better handle our tasks.
After my humbling experience, a true result of exhaustion, I have chosen to move forward and recommit myself to regaining my balance so I can retain my strength. Will you do that with me?
