"Play now or pay later" is how one author has described the importance of making sure we have work/play balance in our lives. The work culture of the United States, especially in the last four years, has been even more weighted toward "doing more with less," and this includes getting more accomplished with fewer employees to do it. A cartoon by Randy Glasbergen puts it this way: "We also have some part-time positions available for those who only want to work 60 or 80 hours a week."
However, when we pride ourselves on our commitment to work, our loyalty to our company and our general workaholicism, we ignore the benefits of taking time to play. Author Carl McDaniels, author and career counselor, has said that it is through play that we discover our talents.
If you're really that devoted to your job, know that time away from a task can help refresh you and make you sharper when back on-task. I know several meeting moderators who, when a group has gotten into a log-jam on a topic or project, will go onto a different task or take a break. There's something about focusing on something else that can help us go back to the original project and be better at problem-solving. Haven't you had an AHA! moment on how to spell a word or recall a person's name after focusing on something else entirely? Perhaps it's a recharge in energy from a break or a break in the stress of attempting to force an outcome. Whatever it is, know that a break in the thought process could be just what you need to continue on to a solution.
Another technique to help create balance while increasing productivity during your workday that I've seen exercised is the self-imposed access to email and cell phone calls. When our free monthly ezine goes out, we get a lot of auto-replies from those who are on vacation. (Some of these are hilarious as some have been on vacation since 2007.) One such gentleman's auto-reply lets us know that he only checks email twice a day and then gives specific times. It's one way of better managing his time so he gets more done and doesn't feel obligated to take it all home or work late.
Another friend knows how much her cell phone is a distraction and a deterrent when she's being productive so she turns it off. I think a lot of us have forgotten that cell phones are for our convenience...
As I have entered my "twilight" years, so termed by one of my son-in-laws, I've realized the benefits, and physical necessity, of balancing work and play. I encourage you to also take steps to build in balance so you can be at your best in both worlds.
