The Power of Balance: Embracing Work, Rest, and Play

We’ve all heard about “work, rest and play” but how many of us actually get past the work part? To many of us wait until retirement to play and say we’ll rest when we die. Is that really any way to live? It’s time to shift into a new way of thinking that enables us to start living more fully NOW!

Balancing these three aspects of life can help you lead a more fulfilling and well-rounded lifestyle, enhancing your overall sense of happiness and satisfaction. Let’s explore how to master work, rest and play.

Work

To really enhance your workflow consider your passion and purpose. It is also important to become more aware of how well you manage your time. When it comes to making decisions about your work, career, business or acts of service, consider what would support continuous growth. In other words, what would help you stay engaged and motivated, what time can you dedicate to that, and does it align with your passion and purpose?

Given the 3 suggestions below, what are you feeling most called to attend to?

• Find work that aligns with your passions and values, as it can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment to your life.
• Efficiently manage your time at work to maintain productivity and avoid burnout, allowing you to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Embrace opportunities for learning and growth in your career, whether through new challenges, skill development, or seeking mentorship, to stay engaged and motivated.

Affirm your commitment to that by exploring possibilities over problems, and embrace your power to choose what is going to be most meaningful and productive for your life. In other words, prioritize the one thing that supports all other things. (Hint: it will be the thing that has been hindering your progress).

Rest

Obviously rest is important and yet we don’t put enough importance on it. Rest has become more of a “wish” and it’s time to restore its value. Understand that rest is not just a luxury but a necessity for maintaining physical health, mental well-being, and overall productivity.

Ensuring good quality sleep will have a more positive impact on your mood, cognitive abilities, and immune system. It’s during our sleeptime that our body has a chance to restore itself. One way to enhance this is to keep a plant beside your bed. Some plants, like aloe vera, snake plant, or peace lily, can also filter out toxins and pollutants from the air, leading to better air quality in your bedroom.

Studies have shown that being around plants can help reduce stress, anxiety, and even lower blood pressure. The presence of greenery in your sleeping space can promote a sense of tranquility, aiding in relaxation before sleep. And not only that, it looks nice. A visually appealing environment can positively impact your mood and overall well-being. Another benefit of having a plant beside your bed is that it can create a sense of connection with nature, even if you live in an urban environment. This connection can foster a positive mindset and reinforce the importance of nurturing living things-including yourself!

Another way to introduce more rest into your life is to incorporate relaxation techniques. Some examples include; meditation, mindfulness, or adding hobbies into your daily routine to manage stress and recharge your energy.

It is not healthy for your or your nervous system to be “on” all the time. Make sure to allow yourself some downtime to rest and replenish. This also helps to regulate your nervous system giving it time to rest and digest life’s experiences.

Play

Playtime is not just for children or dogs. You can view play as a form of recreation that allows you to unwind, have fun, and enjoy life! This is essential for reducing stress and improving mood.

Exploring different aspects of your interests and abilities. Maybe there’s even something new you’d like to try. What did you once love and now never seem to have the time for? What have you always wanted to try and never made the time for? What do you just simply enjoy doing as a recreational or leisure activity? Write down at least 5 activities you want to explore then chose one to begin this week. Make sure to schedule this into your calendar!

You can even double up and use play as an opportunity to build and strengthen social connections. Fostering relationships with friends, family, and community contributes to overall happiness and well-being.

But, how?

So now you might be thinking, “How can I possibly find time for all of this?!” The answer I would give is to prioritize and set boundaries. Clearly define your work hours and personal time. Avoid over-committing to work-related tasks beyond your designated working hours. Similarly, protect your leisure time and ensure you have sufficient rest periods by setting clear boundaries.

Boundaries include your schedule. Develop a well-structured daily or weekly schedule that allocates time for work, rest, and play. And be sure to incorporate breaks. During work hours, take short breaks to recharge and avoid burnout. Consider the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for a set period (e.g., 25 minutes) and then take a short break (e.g., 5 minutes). Regular breaks can enhance productivity and focus too so it’s really a win-win.

Another small habit you can lean into is disconnecting from technology. Try establishing tech-free periods during your day, especially before bedtime. Limiting screen time and exposure to digital devices can improve sleep quality and allow for more meaningful rest.

And let’s not forget to practice mindfulness. See if you can be present and fully engaged in whatever you are doing, whether it's work, rest, or play. Mindfulness helps you appreciate the moment and make the most of your experiences.

Live Life Fully and Completely

In the pursuit of a fulfilling life, let us remember that achieving the perfect balance between work, rest, and play is a profound and personal odyssey. Embrace the challenges, learn from the trials, and persist with unwavering determination. For within this journey lies the key to unlocking a life enriched with boundless joy, enhanced well-being, and the treasured moments that define the essence of true living. Enjoy life!

see original post on the Inspired Living Blog