If you’re an entrepreneur or a small business owner, you are constantly trying to stay ahead of the game. Technology is ever-changing and with it comes an ever more dizzying array of responsibilities. There are blog posts to read and articles to peruse. The experts tell you-you should be spending your free time absorbing all the information you can to be best prepared for business in the 21st century. I disagree.
I’m certain everyone here understands the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance but somehow it’s easier said than done. From managing your current client roster by weeding out the unproductive relationships to ensuring your staff is representing your brand well, there is always something new to learn or just one more thing to do. There are only 24hrs in a day and it is imperative that some of that time is spent outside of the office with some quality ‘me‘ time.
I have a client who recently opened a small, upscale bar. He is the sole owner and with the exception of some outside bartending help on special occasions, he runs the place alone. What this means is he is working 6 days a week, a minimum of 12 hours a day not including time spent outside of the bar running errands, etc. This is not a sustainable schedule in the long run. While we all like to believe we are invincible, to function at our best, we need to recharge our batteries. Making some changes at the office can lead to much more fulfilling and productive days and can help you to spend more time OUT of the office which is the ultimate goal, right?
Here are 5 great tips to help you get out of the office and find that elusive work-life balance:
1. Get some exercise. Now I’ll be the first person to tell you that I can not stand the gym. I avoid it like the plague, but exercise can be a lot of different things: tennis, basketball, skiing, running just to name a few. For me, I like the option of exercising without it feeling like exercise. All of these are great ways to get the blood pumping and help shake off the stresses of the day without setting foot in the gym. Study after study finds that exercise is one of the best ways to stay mentally sharp and reduce the incidence of health issues like diabetes and heart disease.
2. Find a new hobby. What are you passionate about? (besides your business) Bird watching? The symphony? Stamp collecting? Video games? Whatever strikes your fancy and lets you blow off some steam is the way to go. There is no wrong choice.
3. Take a nap. This happens to be one of my favorites. Ariana Huffington has started a sleep revolution around how important sleep is to your ability to function. I am a huge nap advocate! I can tell when I haven’t gotten enough sleep. I’m slower and more prone to making mistakes. You will find that you’re more productive and clearer after getting some shut-eye.
4. Read a good book. I don’t mean a self-help book or some business something or other. Fiction. Something not based in reality – well at least not your reality. The best way to escape is to fall into a story. For me, traveling to other worlds is the best medicine for escaping the pressures of my everyday work-life.
5. Spend time with friends and family. Go out, have fun, relax. Enjoy time with the people you love. Spending all your time in the office will wear you down and at the end of the day you will have missed out on living life!
We have become a society that values how much time you spend working over everything else. At the end of it all, it won’t be a number of hours you spent in the office that you will reflect on, it will be the time you spent living life to the fullest. The importance of work-life balance cannot be understated. Find the joy in life and everything else will fall into place.
We Can Help
3D Studios helps businesses grow their influence and their brands. As a boutique brand management agency, we begin with a thorough analysis of your needs and partner with you to develop and execute a marketing plan that will help you take your business to the next level. To learn more about how 3D Studios can help you, visit us at www.3Dstudios.net or call 914-304-4229.
