The Choice Is Not "Either-Or"

Near the beginning of a training program on Juggling Elephants, we have participants identify some of their current "elephants." Inevitably, someone will ask, "Should I focus on work or personal?" Our quick answer is "YES!"

Rarely are our struggles to get things done isolated solely to one area of our life. The most immediate "heavy item" might be work-related, but most of the time there are 2 or 3 non-work items vying for our physical, mental and emotional energy. And a struggle in one area often affects our performance in another area.

Our focus in determining where our circus needs work should not be limited to looking at only one ring. Remember, a quality circus has acts in all 3 rings.

Saying "No" To Fun

A national survey on "fun" was recently conducted by the Trident Fun Index (yes, the same people who make Trident brand gum). Some of their findings include:

• 19% can not remember the last time they had a good time
• Less than 18% take the opportunity to do something fun each day
• 55% strongly agree that their fun is limited by the amount of money they have
• The top US cities having fun are Atlanta and New York

While Trident hopes to leverage the results to remind consumers that even a stick of gum can offer a moment of fun, the numbers highlight how so many people simply won't take a few moments out of their day for what we call an "intermission." These fun moments need not be costly, but the the cost of not taking them include increased stress and decreased productivity.

What are you doing today to have a little fun?

Stop! Enjoy!!

The holiday season is in full swing and there are plenty of additional "Acts" in your already busy circus. It is so easy to get caught up in the madness and not take pleasure in all that can be good about this time of year.

Force yourself to stop and take a break. Here are some ideas of activities that my family enjoys doing during the busy holidays:

• Bundle up (if it is cold outside), go for a walk and look at the Christmas lights at night
• Attend a choir or bell ringer concert
• Turn off the TV, make some hot chocolate and sit by a fire in the fireplace and just talk
• Pop some popcorn, gather your family and watch your favorite holiday movie. (Our favorites are "A Pocket Full of Miracles" and "White Christmas" - oldies but goodies)
• Sit around the piano and sing
• Read Christmas and holiday stories together

You might have to actually schedule times in your calendar to force yourself to "STOP" and "ENJOY". It is well worth it and you will find your stress level will decrease at the same time.

A Thanksgiving Intermission

According to a USA Today poll, 74%of Americans take Thursday and Friday off for Thanksgiving. How will you spend these two days? Sure, you will spend some time with family and relax from the pressures of work, but will you really get the most benefit from this intermission. To maximize the minimum time you have these days, consider these suggestions:

• Finish up a work task that could occupy your mind over the break. If you can't finish the task, at least take a few minutes to create a plan to accomplish the project when you return to work. It will help your mind relax and "let go" of the task for a couple of days.


• Plan specific activities with family members or friends. Even if it's a phone call, be proactive about scheduling it so that it doesn't get lost and you return to work thinking "I wish I had..."


• Reflect on the people who have made this year more meaningful. What could you do for them over the holidays to show your gratitude?


• Schedule time for yourself. Engage in that hobby you have put off. Read until you fall asleep, wake up and repeat a couple of times. Unplug from technology.

Soon, your circus will once again be moving quickly with work and planning for the holidays. Make the most of your Thanksgiving intermssion-you need it.

Dealing with Stress

Take a glass of water in your hand and extend your arm out to your side. How difficult is it to hold the glass of water? Initially, it isn't difficult at all. But continue to hold the glass out for an extended period of time and the water seems to get heavier and heavier. Eventually, you will be unable to hold the glass up any longer.

It is the same way with dealing with stress. At first, a little stress is uncomfortable but not difficult to handle. In fact, stress can sometimes be helpful in the short term. Consider walking along the street and you come face-to-face with a large dog who begins to bark at you. You feel stressed. Your heart begins to pump, your breathing gets faster and your muscles contract. You are all prepared for fight or flight. But over time if your body is continually in the "stress mode" (heart pumping fast, muscles tense) the effects can be harmful and even life threatening.

Look for ways to remove stress from your life. Exercise regularly. Take the time to rest and meditate. A simple walk around the block or power nap can be effective. Take regular "intermissions" where you can get away from stressful situations, allow your body unwind and recharge your batteries.