Sara Serves: Balance
I started pondering this column last week while I was on a cruise with my middle child, Grace. I sometimes have a hard time leaving work and other concerns behind when it is time to disconnect. And I don’t know about you, but my problem is not the hours I spend at the office; it is the hours away from the office when my mind wanders back to that space.
So, as a reminder to us all, here are some ways to step away and disconnect from the job:
Time boundaries - turn off those notifications! Even when we manage to turn off our minds, too frequently our phone drags us back. I encourage you to use technology to your benefit- our phones have lots of settings to allow us to control what gets through and when.
Learn to say no (I am NOT the model for this behavior, tbh)- I don’t say no because there are always so many wonderful things to do! BUT, I am always glad when my family asks me why I am doing a particular thing. It helps me stay centered on what truly matters to me, versus what is just a good idea. Maybe it is someone else’s good idea that should be theirs to implement!
Check out the 20 -20-20 rule- refocus yourself! The rule says that every 20 minutes, you should look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It helps your eyes and brain relax and reduces tension in your face and neck. It’s a simple tactic but it can help when you are at your desk all day.
Get some exercise- I don’t know about you, but I can’t obsess about a work issue when I am jogging up a long hill. I’m too focused on just getting up the hill. Turning off our brains for a while to make our bodies work is good for us.
Take scheduled breaks-Try the pomodoro rule. It suggests a five-minute break every 25 minutes. The goal is to reward yourself for focused work and then a reset.
If you find your temper rising, patience thinning or just overwhelmed, take time. Touch grass. Get some exercise. Turn off your phone. Go for a walk, grab a coffee. You’ll be better after the break.
My favorite thing- outside of work activities where I am not available. Camping with no internet, going on a cruise (it was a good week last week), being outside without a device anywhere. Our world will go on without us (ask me how I know…). Don’t let yourself get so stressed that something happens to you and you find this out the hard way.
Welcome to our new members:
Laura Bateman, President, Bateman Consulting, Richmond
Stacey Jordan, Deputy City Manager/CFO, City of Hopewell
Tara Morris, Assistant Town Manager, Town of Grottoes
Sheri Newcomb, Director of Community Services, County of Yor