QLD – How to get worklife balance – How full is your tank?

Imagine you are a super sleek racing car and the calendar year is the race track. Close your eyes
– Can you see what colour car you are? Can you smell the burning rubber? Hear the roar of the cheering crowd? Er….

You need your eyes open to read so let’s open them again shall we?

As we zoom around the last few laps towards the finish line many cars (people) become
depleted in energy. Sure you can say ‘I’ll push on through until the end’ but is that going to get the best performance? Think spluttering empty tank, smoking engine, burning bald tyres. One sick car!

What would happen if the car leading the race did not take any pit stops over the year journey to refuel and check tyres? Putt, putt splutter indeed. It is vital to restore energy levels in order to finish the race. You cannot do this on an empty fuel tank. (Believe me, I know)

Why should I take a pit stop?

  1. You won’t get long term success without rejuvenated rest. Being successful involves change that takes energy. Only those people with high energy levels of proactive energy will cope well with change.
  2. Successful people have work life balance. Most people’s goals usually include relationships and health. You need to have the energy to nurture this. I heard once that love is spelt T-I-M-E. If you love your family/ friends/ pets you will spend quality LEISURE time with them.
  3. When rested, you increase your ability to focus.
  4. A rested brain is vital for critical thinking and creativity.

Gauge how full your tank is-

A symptom you need rest is short term memory loss and forgetfulness. E.g. Why did I walk in this room? Where did I leave my keys? Sound familiar? Hmmmm…. Where was I? oh yes, onto strategies…

There are strategies you can use to top up your tank.

  • Take 1-2 leisure days per week away from work.
  • A day off is not mowing or ironing or running kids around to sporting events. Leisure time is doing something that brings you pleasure like gardening or reading. (If ironing brings you pleasure seek help now)
  • Get quality sleep (yeah baby – nanna naps rule!)
  • Sit still, breathe. STOP doing ANYTHING. (watching TV does NOT count)

What to do RIGHT Now!

STOP – Put away your laptop/ mobile/iPad while you read this and give your FULL FOCUS.

THINK– What is currently happening in your life? How full is your tank?

When do you need to take a pit stop?

How will you refuel?

DO – Keep checking your fuel gauge and take a pit stops along the way.

So this weekend hit ‘Ctrl Alt Delete’. Have a reboot and start your engines with a fresh set of tyres. Because the chances are you are burning rubber living life FAST. But are you living well?

By Teresa Anderson

Capricornia School of Distance Education

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