After working with thousands of women at every level, one complaint remains constant. Every working woman wants more energy. You must remember whoever you are and wherever you are--whether at home or in an office--you are a working woman!
Daily, more high tech equipment is brought into our offices and homes to help us get work done faster and more efficiently. Originally the thinking was all this high tech stuff was going to simplify our lives, give us more free time, and presumably more energy. Well, I am here to report I have never seen so many women burned out, stressed out, and ready to go take a nap!
The reasons for this fatigue are varied but there are a few basic problems most of us suffer from on a regular basis. I suggest you make a commitment today to do something about your energy "robbers." That is if you want to get your work done, have a life when you go home, and the energy to enjoy your family and friends.
It's Me--Live
Ever experience this scenario? You head to the office after a day off and discover over a dozen voice mail messages. Being conscientious, you call everyone back. You get their voice mail and leave messages that you hope will answer their questions. It doesn't. Now they are calling you back and everyone says. . ."It's phone tag--you're it." This is the standard line and a joke. But at this point everyone lacks the energy to laugh. I recently answered the phone at my office and apparently the person calling thought it was my voice mail--not me, live. They started to leave a message. I tried to stop them but it was difficult. I kept saying, "It's me, live. I'm here!" There was stunned silence on the other end of the phone. This taught me something. I need to answer my phone live more or when I do answer live, start with something simple and direct like, "Don't faint, this is really Ruth!
A High Tech Break
Cell phones, texting, lap tops, iPhones, and life on the internet, all things that are now a part of our lives and we can't seem to live without. Everyone loves them and thinks they help get the work done faster. But how about taking a high tech break? You can start at home by keeping things simple whenever possible. Simplifying your life can reduce stress and increase your energy so you can get more done when you go back to the office. Since we can now take the office home with us and can work 24 hours a day--it takes a commitment to establish guidelines for your own revitalization. Make a commitment to go for a walk, read a good book for pleasure, go to a museum. Choose to have a low-tech evening. Turn off the computer, TV, and phone--then spend time reacquainting yourself with family and friends.
The Busy High
When women start to simplify their lives sometimes they panic. They are so used to being in the busy mode, it all seems strange and unfamiliar. There does seem to be a kind of adrenaline high that comes with constantly being pressured and busy. But at what cost? Seven in ten American workers think job stress is causing frequent health problems and has decreased their productivity. Stress “rehabilitation” can cost over $15,000 in medical treatment costs. Depression effects over 17 million Americans and it effects women twice as often as men.
Mental stress zaps our energy. Women’s bodies, minds, and spirits are made to respond to good ol’ fashion things like sun, flowers, fresh air, conversations with live people, good food and reflective moments. Put some of the simple things back in your life and watch your energy soar.
Copyright © 2008 Ruth Gordon Howard All Rights Reserved.
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