Got Rhythm?

Want to thrive while juggling job and family? Get into a regular rhythm of work and rest. It's as vital as inhaling and exhaling.

The right rhythm for you is uniquely yours.

A daily period of 10 to 20 minutes to relax and rejuvenate can do wonders. You might decide that one day per week you will avoid work related to your paid job and keep household chores to a minimum. Vacations of several days or longer are marvelous to look forward to.

The key is to make periods of relaxation a regular part of your daily, weekly and yearly schedule.

START SMALL.

Short breaks are the easiest to schedule. Even moms with toddlers can manage a few minutes a day to read, pray, stretch or whatever else helps you find your center.

During the spring when my first child was learning to walk, I benefited enormously from spending just five minutes a day reading "The Physics of Star Trek." Over time, my rhythm came to include longer rest periods, with even greater benefits.

Now, if I slip out of my rhythm, my family reminds me to get back into it. They can tell the difference in me!

So, don't wait until you're frazzled and depleted. If you haven't done so already, start experimenting today to find your own, unique rhythm of work and rest.

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU GET STARTED:

On what day or days of the week can I most successfully claim time for myself?
What time of day works best?
What activities will I avoid during my "time off"?
What activities will promote a sense of inner calm and vitality?

Enjoy.

c) 2004 Norma Schmidt, Coach, LLC