It’s Carnival – relax!

Everyone seems to be talking about finding a work-life balance. But, this search is really nothing new. The old saying “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” was the earlier way of saying that taking the time to live and have a little fun is critical to your success as a serious adult and employee. And now is the perfect time to recognize that – carnival is in full swing!

Whether you choose to participate in the festivities or not is not the point – we do realize that many Christians deem the celebration to be a pagan festival and choose to spend a relaxing day at the beach instead; and that is fine. For some people, however, carnival is the perfect opportunity to let go of all inhibitions and enjoy themselves. If you find yourself unable to unwind over the next few days because carnival is actually your busy season, take time afterward to relax.

Whatever your circumstance or your choice, take time to unplug from the daily hassles of meeting deadlines, listening to customers complain, or fighting the noise of loud machines. You cannot truly realize your full potential if you do not take time to unwind, release a little stress, and make connections with those who make you laugh. You must allow yourself to be a person – someone with a character, and not just a person attached to an office, an assembly line, or a work title.

Finding a work-life balance should not be centered around festivals, holidays, or vacations. Make it a daily approach to managing and balancing the time you spend at work with the time you spend at home, time you spend with your family and friends, and time you spend by yourself. Here are five things you can do to begin to strike a balance:

• Cut back on leaving the office late or arriving early, especially if it’s interfering with your quality of life.

• Ask friends if they think you successfully manage your work life and your personal life. Listen to what they tell you, as oftentimes we think we are fine because our judgment deceives us into thinking and believing what we want to see.

• Spend one day without your cell phone, your calendar, or your PDA and just meditate on what is important to you. Pray if you are a believer or read or walk silently on the beach.

• Make an effort to socialize with people who are not connected to your job in any way.

• Schedule time to spend with your significant other and/or children, just like you would schedule a lunch or a meeting-and keep the appointment.

And, remember, too, a vacation does not always have to be days or weeks long. Indulge in a day of pampering yourself, maybe sleep a little later than usual, or maybe buy yourself a favorite meal. It could be as simple as spending the day enjoying your favorite part of the island or surrounding yourself with those you love. Take what you can, when you can – just get away!

Karen Hinds President/CEO – Workplace Success Group
Toll Free: 1-877-902-2775;
Tel: 1-203-757-4103
Karen@WorkplaceSuccess.com
www.WorkplaceSuccess.com
Creator of The Workplace Success Program (TM)