WorkLifeBalance-related stories
Ask Laura! Taking These 7 Brain Breaks May Give You a Better Bod!
Life Fitness is a process of continuous growth: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Need motivation and guidance to facilitate positive changes in your life? Ask Life Fit Expert Laura Lewis!
Dear Laura:
I am a worrier, a workaholic and when I get home at night, I am so overwhelmed with getting things "done" that I just can't relax. I am overweight, stressed out and basically unhappy and NOT motivated to workout! I would love to bust out of this cycle. Help!
Exhausted in Carrollton, Texas
Dear Exhausted,
Do you ever stop moving? Stop working? Stop running on that treadmill of your life? Did you know that it is "uber" important for you to take small breaks throughout your day? And also did you know meditating daily and getting "present" is something your brain loves and needs in order to stay healthy, happy and ultimately keeps you mentally, emotionally and physically fit? Yes indeed. Researchers agree: You NEED to slow down and give yourself a break!
Let's chat about the human body for a moment shall we? What would happen if you took a well-oiled machine and pushed it to the max day after day? Hmmm? It would not function optimally for eternity. No way. Your body, and more specifically, your brain has its limits! If your brain works and works without taking breaks, you're not giving it a chance to let information flow, and as a result, breakdown occurs. Is this sounding familiar? With high gas prices, a shaky economy in addition to everyday stressors, taking brain breaks helps you in so many ways. Emory University sociologist Corey Keyes says that "a feeling of emptiness and exhaustion is a sign we need to tend to things." My dear "Exhausted". You fit the bill. Let's see if I may help you see the light!
One company's attack on medical costs
Is it right for private companies to care about the health of their employees? Well, sure it is, since health-related absences and costs can be huge as well as productivity loss as well. It is no wonder that many employers sponsor health programs for employees.Not only can companies benefit from having healthy employees, but this "kick in the pants" approach to ensuring people keep on top of their medical situation is a great thing for most people. It's true that lifestyles are so fast-paced anymore than many folks just don't put regular medical checkups as a high priority.
But, they should -- and many employers are waiting to make that happen.
Employees attracted to work-life balance perks
On Monday I'll be returning to my career after a year at home with my baby boy. My workplace has always treated me very well; they're the kind of employers that value and reward hard work, and I am eager to return and show them that even though I'm now a mom, I can still be a top performer.
But my life has changed substantially since I've had my son. I want to do a good job for my employer, and I still want to make a great salary, but I'm no longer willing to work 15-hour days. I want to find a balance that allows me to enjoy my family, take care of my health, and do a fabulous job at work. A flexible Friday is more important to me than a company car.
My new priorities, apparently, are part of a growing trend of North Americans who are looking for work/life balance perks as a top priority when searching for employers.
