Harmony noun har·mo·ny \ ˈhär-mə-nē \ the quality of forming a pleasing and consistent whole.
Balance noun bal·ance \ ˈba-lən(t)s \ an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady. (the way to some kind of peace and personal balance
How do you find the balance of your work life with your personal life? Harmony.
Seems so simple when you say it like that, harmony.
What is harmony to you? That is the question.
When you find harmony in life you just know!
Finding your purpose you know you are in the right place. Now how do we keep this fire burning bright and not lose our flame?
Balance!
Personal vs Professional Balance (Work-Life Integration)
Keep a schedule for both. Keep yourself on track and have integrity with the times you set with work, family and friends. When we show up on time and keep your word people around you feel as if they are important and a priority to you and will make you a priority to them.
Prioritize time for yourself to do something that is special and happy to you. Find something outside of professional life that is special to you and allows you to get away from the restraints of technology and the influences of the world. Go fishing, golf, hike, take a bike ride, sit by the ocean or a lake and feel the breeze or just relax and read an inspiring book. Find something that gives you sense of freedom and peace.
Harmony can fade but it doesn’t disappear. The flame is always there inside us when we are doing what we love, but when energy, stress levels, outside influences, etc. start to dull down the flame we have to realize it and take time to recuperate our energy/mental state and get back to our path!
Understanding Yourself
Be conscious and aware of your happiness/stress levels and always take time to listen to your inner thoughts. Knowing our passions and purposefully following them with true intent always drives us. Sometimes to that point in which you are doing more and more in the workplace, but knowing that taking small breaks or a day off to keep your mental state high can keep you advancing and passionate towards work. Always listen to what your body is telling you and try to be aware of mental and physical energy levels. When we truly listen to ourselves is when we begin to find our harmony.
Burnout and How to Avoid Burning Out
Burnout is defined as a state of continual physical and mental exhaustion; it can result in workers being disconnected from both work and home because they don’t have enough energy for either. (Meeusen V, VanDam K, Brown-Mahoney C, VanZundert A, Knape H. Understanding nurse anesthetists’ intention to leave their job: how burnout and job satisfaction mediate the impact of personality and workplace characteristics Health Care Manage Rev. 2011;36(2):155–163)
Even when you are doing what you love (maybe especially when you are!) there is a chance of burnout. Being more aware and adherent to your own needs as much as others or the needs of your professional life is incredibly important. Sometimes you may think taking time off is going to offset your progression, but not being at your optimal functional ability is a bigger detriment to your growth than taking a day off will be. Making sure you listen to yourself and avoiding burnout can keep your flame burning strong and will keep you ready for that big opportunity that is coming soon!
Find your balance and listen to your harmony.