I was talking with a friend yesterday as we strolled around the Taste of Lee and we were discussing ways to keep our energy levels up. I work a full time job that currently pays the bills and I work about 30 hours a week on my photography, either with attending and shooting events or on the computer editing or handling my social media. He works really long hours some days and also understands the need to chill even though he too has an abundance of energy. I shared with him I take really great supplements, however he also reminded me I take “time-outs” or down time to allow myself to rest and restore. I thought about it, and it’s something I incorporate into my life, and it’s become so second nature I don’t think about it. He explained when he’s mentioned about needing to rest he’s been criticized for acting “old”, but I discern this differently; this man has learned to balance his life and understands it’s a matter of taking care of yourself. Being older, I know I don’t have the energy I had even 20 years ago so to keep up with the schedule imposed upon myself, I must have balance or I will face burnout.
Life is all about balance. With my busy schedule, I have to stop and take a moment to regroup and refresh, I sometimes stay in, but most times I’ll go to the park or to the beach to refresh. If I take my camera I’ll try to capture my down time, but oftentimes I want to disconnect for a brief period. I attend church regularly to keep myself in spiritual balance and I enjoy reading, painting and have even taken a class, or I’ll take a day or afternoon to spend needed time with the people in my life I care about. This balance keeps my creativity fresh and alive and allows my mind to rest and reset.
If you are trying to juggle a busy schedule, whether it includes your own life, or one with children or taking care of a loved one, take a timeout for yourself, don’t feel guilty about it. Sometimes this will make all the difference in how you feel and will refresh your mind and body. In the comment section below, tell me how do you keep your life in balance?
Life, Love & Passion Through the Lens 