Self Care at Work

Well here we are, two (part-time) weeks back at work and I am feeling fine. Better than fine, at moments. I've done a lot of work to get to where I am, and I'm pretty proud of myself. My goal is work/life balance, with an emphasis on the life balance part.

Remembering to stop working and come home is important, but so too is taking care of myself - while I am work.

I have to thank renowned "self-care" guru Cheryl Richardson, whose ten rules for self-care at work got me thinking about what I need to do at work to help ease me back into the work scene. Here is what Cheryl has to say, provided verbatim from her website (black text), with my own ideas presented (in red text):

"It is a myth to believe that working long hours at a frantic pace makes you productive. By now most of us recognize that overwork and stress cause everything from a lack of creativity to stress-related illnesses. Taking better care of ourselves makes good business sense. If you don’t believe me, try an experiment. Incorporate some of the new rules below for the next 30 days and see what happens. If you adopt some of these rules and put them into practice you’ll find that you not only get more done at work, you create more time for your life.

I take lunch everyday and do something unrelated to work. For example, I get out of the office and take a walk, listen to a relaxation tape, or visit with a friend.

1. I take lunch everyday and do something unrelated to work. For example, I get out of the office and take a walk, listen to a relaxation tape, or visit with a friend. (I have been sticking to this one, and getting out of the office each day to do something "nice" for myself. For example, on Tuesday I went and checked out a yarn shop that I have been wanting to visit )
2. I work reasonable hours. On most days, I arrive at 8:30 and leave by 4:30.
3. I schedule “breathing room” every day so I can step back, re-evaluate my priorities and be sure that I am working on what really matters. (I am easing gently into work, just one or two priorities a day)
4. I do whatever it takes to create a healthy work environment. I keep my office free of clutter and if necessary, I use a clean air filter, full spectrum lighting, and I always keep a reserve of water nearby. (I have a small bottle of peppermint oil on my desk, I snort it if I feel anxious and it calms me)
5. I have an “Absolute Yes” list for work (a 3″ x 5″ index card with my top five priorities listed in order of importance) and I refer to it often. (I use Windows digital "sticky notes" right on my computer)
6. I train myself to consistently look for ways to delegate work in order to empower others while I honor my Absolute Yes list. (I will need to vigilant about delegating)
7. I hire only highly competent, talented people to support my efforts. (yup)
8. I ask family and friends to honor my work time by eliminating non-essential personal calls and interruptions. (I am bad, I actually just won't answer the phone if I don't feel like chatting)
9. I coordinate my work schedule to remove distractions and interruptions. For example, I design blocks of uninterrupted, focused time and I only check voicemail and e-mail twice a day (keep breathing on this one). (I haven't tried this yet)
10. I stop taking on more than I can handle. When asked to take on a project, I check to be sure that I can complete the assignment without suffering or sacrificing my self-care." (I can do this. Haven't had to yet.)

 ***Thanks, Cheryl!***

Affirmations for Workaholics

I made it. To work, that is. Today was my first day back in the office after four months of time away. It was fine. I don't feel like the same person who left on stress leave back in February. I still have plenty of things to figure out about how to "be" at work, but I know with absolute certainty, that my attitude towards work is very, very different today. I like the people I work with a great deal, so it was great to see them all and chat or check in briefly with each of them. An office move during my absence has me moving into a "new" office. A clean slate. A pleasant irony for me, my new office used to belong to a dear friend and colleague who has since moved out of our organization. I miss her, always. (We really "got" each other). Over two years ago, she gave me a copy of the following book:

I thanked her for it, admitted that I probably did indeed have a problem with workaholism, read the first few pages in bed the night she gave me the book, and put it under my bed. It stayed there until quite recently. It is an amazing book, it's not just about workaholism, but would be useful for anyone who, like me, never really knew how to turn off being busy.

At this point in the game, I'm mining the book for pieces that will help me stay on track as I return to work. I'm quite loving a lot of the "affirmations" that are provided in the book. I think a lot of people might relate to some of them, not just us workaholics. So here they are, take what you like and leave the rest:

1. The less I struggle, the more open I am to inspiration. The more I take it easy, the more I accomplish.
2. My Higher Power wants me to realize my vision of joyful work and a balanced life and gives me whatever I need to achieve it at the right time.
3. I do everything easily and effortlessly.
4. My life is full and underscheduled.
5. I now receive full assistance and cooperation from all persons necessary for realizing my work vision. I attract only loving people.
6. The more I risk, the safer I am.
7. I am more effective by being more selective.
8. The more I play, the more God works.
9. I have time to spare and time to share. Time is my friend. When I take time, I make time.
10. My top priority is doing my being. Before I do anything, I first do nothing.
11. I draw to myself everything I need for a joyful balanced life.
12. My doing my right work strengthens all my relationships. My work brings me closer to those I love.
13. When I take time, I make time. The more I take my time, the more time I have to take. I don't have time not to have time.
14. I am entitled to my right work and deserve the enjoyment, recognition, and health that right work brings.
15. I live by divine appointment with broad margins.
16. I am still in the midst of activity and vibrantly alive in repose. I take an emergency leisurely.
17. The slower I go, the faster I grow.
18. Even when offered the best, I say no if I need rest. Rest is the best reward I can give myself.
19. My body is my friend and my temple. I bless and thank it daily and obey its signals.
20. Emotions are information. I honor their important messages.
21. I love myself no matter what. I'm perfect just the way I am. I am enough. I have enough. I do enough.
22. People bring me important messages (angels in my life) when I listen or meditate carefully.
23. I work to live, not live to work.

(Workaholics Anonymous Book of Recovery, pages 182, 183)

Aren't these awesome affirmations? I love them.