finding that perfect balance.

Working is a part of life. But how do you know when to “stop” working and enjoy your life? This is something that I struggle with.

I’m not the greatest at relaxing. My mind is constantly going, my body is constantly moving. And because of that, I like to keep busy, and a majority of the time me keeping busy means that I work more. Which isn’t all bad; I keep stuff checked off my to-do list, I keep caught up on emails, etc. Lately I’ve been thinking to myself, I need to not work so much and actually enjoy life.

Working a full-time job where I put in 50+ hours each week and a part-time job, ranging between 4 hours to 20 hours a week, you could imagine that I get exhausted. It’s true. But something my parents taught both my brother and myself is a strong work ethic. Put in the hard work for what you want; but you also have to know when to relax. I usually end up working myself into a mental and emotional breakdown (not a real one, but it sure feels like it to me) and I end up sleeping for 12 to 14 hours.

I can tell you from experience, this is not healthy and I don’t recommend it for anyone. Although I still have trouble with that perfect balance, I do have a few helpful hints to find that balance.

1. Take time for friends and family.
   1. Living many miles away from family and friends can take a toll on you. So when you get the chance to be with them, don’t take it for granted.
2. Take time for yourself.
   1. This is something that I really struggle with.  I always am thinking that I could be working on this project, or answering those emails. But I stop and remind myself, this is YOU time. Going to the gym, taking Tucker for a walk or to the puppy park; in the long run, you need to be healthy to keep going.
3. Speaking of healthy, be sure to carve out time for exercise.
   1. Again, this is something that I struggle with, too, because that’s probably the last thing I want to do after getting done working. If you aren’t healthy, you aren’t able to do anything then.
4. Take time to travel.
   1. I absolutely love to travel and explore new places. Take in the beauty that is around you. Get away from the hustle and bustle of work, turn off your email, turn off your phone and live in the moment.

You can take those with a grain of salt, or try finding your own way to balance your life out. All I ask is that you do it. Life is too short to be stuck in an office all day.