LEARN TO CREATE A BALANCE BETWEEN HOME AND WORK

Someone out there is speaking to me again! I don't seem to have any balance at all and it does get to a point where it can be a problem.

As an SMME, I like most of my colleagues work from home - this is great for me as an insomniac, but it does definitely blur the lines between work and home. Take for example my 'normal' working day. I am usually up between 4.30am and 6am - before going downstairs to put the kettle on for the first cuppa of the day and to feed the cats, I usually go into the office first to see what new e-mails have come in. Going to bed can be anything between mid-night and 3am (depending on what my sleep requirements for the day are) and coming up the stairs, I inevitably turn right at the top of the staircase to go into the office instead of left into the bedroom to go to bed! Then of course there are the days (or nights) that I don't sleep - when I can usually be found in the office - ok sometimes it's because I am playing backgammon on the internet, but more often than not it is because I am actually working!

Going away also becomes a nightmare because I always tell myself that I will be leaving the laptop at home, but when the crunch time comes - the laptop goes with! Sad hey!

On the bright side though, I don't consider what I do work - I love it. The more I get the more I am 'fired up'. I am one of the lucky few though, who actually enjoys what they do and this makes a huge difference to.

But as they say in the classics, 'don't do as I do, do as I tell you' - so do take some time out from time to time and follow the advice as rendered below and finally remember - be kind to yourself.

Have a good time!

Learn to create a balance between home and work
Workplace staff

30 May 2007 at 06h00

Long gone are eight-hour work days when we had time to cook mouth-watering meals when we got home and rested before tackling the next day's challenges. According to Kelly, SA's largest people organisation, today's workplace demands much more from employees. This reduces quality relaxation time and employees have to plan their work/life balance quite carefully. Add to that the ever-pervasiveness of technology, such as cellphones and e-mail, and that means there is no longer a clear cut between work-time and home-time.

Kelly chief operating officer Gayleen Baxter believes today's world of work is permeated by the stress of competition and the consistent drive to achieve results. "It takes a tremendous effort to consistently meet deadlines, reach targets and deliver unmatched service to keep competitors at bay. This means that home-time really has to be quality time," she says. In results-driven corporate cultures, optimum profitability and output are demanded and employees increasingly suffer from stress-related ailments; chronic fatigue and burn-out, especially when deadline pressures and international dealings often determine working hours. Baxter stresses the importance of effectively structuring and managing your leave; you need time to restore your form! "Vacations are crucial for employee well-being." she says."Get out of the 'work-work-work' frame of mind as quickly as possible. The quicker you get into a relaxed state, the quicker your body and mind can recuperate." Baxter suggests using your public holiday or vacation break to get some vital rest.

Here are a few pointers to ensure you get back to the office re- energised and ready for any challenge after a holiday break:

Get up to date - Before leaving the office for that weekend getaway, make sure your in-basket is empty and, if you are sneaking in a few days leave in between the public holidays and weekends, be sure to refer your clients to colleagues.

Relax - Get into relax mode as soon as possible. Work thoughts should be the last thing on your mind; after all, your in-basket is empty and colleagues are handling your queries. Enjoy each day; you will feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Most importantly - leave a message on your voicemail referring callers to a work colleague standing in for you at the office.

Eat healthy - Especially on vacation. Your body yearns for the nutrition you missed during frenetic take-out lunches and TV dinners forced on you during a chaotic work schedule. Avoid dreaded vacation kilos; maintain your current weight levels.

Exercise - Exercise is vital for a healthy body and mind. Yes, we know you're on leave, but it is essential to keep exercising. Besides, you can involve the family; play touch rugby on the beach, cycle with your children or have a brisk walk with your partner or a friend. Energy levels rise the more you exercise.

Give yourself time - Arrive back from vacation a full day before you are due back at work. This allows time for you to mentally prepare and to re-establish your routine, which would have changed somewhat on vacation."Use the long weekends to relax and restore your form; you will feel revitalised, and you will be mentally and physically prepared for the long winter ahead."