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With so many things on your plate, how do you actually turn it off?

1.  Unplugged 

Do you remember when a vacation was actually a vacation?   This means getting away from the office and not being in touch with anyone except a family member or friend back home you called only once when you arrived.

I recall the days when we went away on vacation or camping and there was no way to contact anyone except going to a front desk/store and using a phone.

Today, it takes more effort to unplug.   Turn off the devices, take a break from it all.   It is necessary and no need to worry, it will all be there waiting for you after.   Start today.  Start small by unplugging for fifteen minutes, focus on breathing and letting go everything on your plate.   You can even take that nap we all want to take……..Well, how did it feel to unplug?

2.  Focus on What You Love

Okay, besides work, focus on the other aspects of your life you love such as family and your hobbies.   What do you like doing in your spare time?

I enjoy reading, spending time with the family, swimming and playing hockey.  On the weekend there is nothing better than waking up, pouring a cup of coffee, grabbing a book, sitting outside and just read for a couple of hours.   Other mornings, I wake up, dive into work and then turn it off for the rest of the weekend.

Glancing at your cellphone has become a very bad habit for many of us.   I carry it around with me all the time!   If I leave it on the kitchen counter, I am tempted to take it with me even if taking out the garbage.   How did I allow this to happen?   Working on focusing on the moment instead of the phone.   It is tougher than you think.

When you do focus on the moment, it becomes so rewarding.   Your family and friends appreciate it because they can tell you are listening and paying attention.   Remind them to focus on what they love and let go of work and their devices too.

3.  Take a “You” Day

This is easier said than done.   I know what you are thinking;   if I take a day off for me and shut out all my responsibilities, I will feel guilty.  Yes, this may be true for a lot of us.   You need to make time for yourself.   Focus on you.   Focus on your health.   Do the things you normally would not do.  You owe it to yourself, your family, your business and your team.

Try it and it will be difficult at first.   You need to recharge your batteries and rejuvenate so you can be the leader when you return.  Years ago, when the work week was Monday to Friday, we used to ease into the weekend after our Thursday networking lunch group we still belong to.   Thursday afternoons seemed to be a bit lighter than the rest of the week and Fridays turned out more casual, golf day and leave work early.

This partial “you” day concept was a bit of business and a bit of leisure making it a nice mix to turn off work just before the weekend.   The weekend was mostly non-work related.  Today, we are not making enough “me” time even at night and on the weekends.   Take a “you” day or half day at least once a month.

How are you turning it off?

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