Over the years, there’s been a lot of discussion on the need for work-life balance, and with good reason. According to a five-year study of the American workforce conducted by the Families and Work Institute, 30% of employees often or very often feel burned out or stressed by their jobs, 27% feel emotionally drained from their work, and 42% feel used up at the end of the work day.
Clearly, the work-life balance conversation is a necessary one; but why are we always focused on keeping our work out of the personal lives we lead? I suggest a different approach. Try bringing a little personal life into your work. Taking a little time for yourself between working periods is a great way to drive down the stress in your everyday activities and achieve balance. The perfect time to introduce a blended work-life experience is while you’re traveling.
Consider the possibilities for the next conference you’ll be attending. For a conference in Phoenix or Las Vegas, take an extra day, rent a car and get adventurous. It’s just a few hours’ drive to the Grand Canyon. Heading to New Orleans? Venture out to the French Quarter and enjoy an evening listening to classic jazz tunes.
