How To Work Play Into Your Life: All Work Isn’t Fun

Another Day In Paradise.

“How To Work Play Into Your Life: “All Work And No Play Makes Jack A Dull Boy.”

– Proverb

You might be thinking, “Wow, somebody has neglected that cabin. It looks so run down.” Could their priorities be out of balance?

Sometimes work takes up way too much of our time.

Have you been neglecting something or someone in your life?

Have you been feeling unbalanced, disappointed, and unsatisfied? Has stress smothered any fun out of your life?

The story image is deceiving because it is our family shack.

It’s a work in progress. It is my happy place. I know it might not look that great to some people, but it’s perfect to me. We have created many great memories here as a family.

Balancing work and fun can be a challenge for everyone. It’s understandable when your time for a vacation might seem impossible.

Most of the time, starting slow is vital for changing things up. Let’s take a trip in your mind, for starters. Learning to take mini trips in your mind while going to your happy place can be a game-changer.

I used this strategy during my breast cancer journey and have continued. It can give you a much-needed uplift in your mood and soothe your emotions.

So, when life gets hectic, or you need a little pick me up, learning how to get to your happy place can be a great trick.

First, you must commit to some quiet time. It’s just simply sitting in a comfy place and closing your eyes. It’s using your imagination to transport yourself there. When you get good at it, you can even start using your senses.

Sometimes you need to start small and work your way up. I hope you will start enjoying these mini-vacations in your mind. Maybe you will even start feeling the luring desire for more leisure if you are feeling overworked.

Alone time

Why do we tend to put ourselves on the back burner at times? It’s crucial to shift yourself to the front. The plans you make for work or others might seem like a priority, but YOU also must be a priority.

How can you take some much-needed ‘Alone Time’ and not become selfish? It’s all about balance. The science behind why you might want to consider it is remarkable.

Here are some ‘Alone Time’ ideas:

• Take an Epson salt bath
• Journal
• Focus on a hobby or pastime
• Exercise
• Take a walk
• Paint your nails or get a manicure
• Take a nap

Scheduling some time to yourself can be difficult but much needed. Other times we must go on a search for some fun.

Searching for fun

How about allowing yourself time at least once a day? It could be something from the list above, or even enjoying a meal with someone could do the trick.

The fun doesn’t have to cost anything, but you might need to search for it. Here are some freebies, along with some frugal ideas.

• Watch a sunset. Perhaps get in the car and take a ride.
• Play a board game. My favorites are checkers and tic tac toe.
• Play cards. Maybe invite some friends over? Or how about solitaire?
• Have a bonfire in your yard. Don’t forget the s’mores.
• Take a drive to get some ice cream. Either at a local shop or pick up a gallon at the grocery store.

To enjoy these activities, you must be in the moment. Let’s take a deeper look at how this is important.

Being in the moment

Do you keep hearing how being fully present is so important? Why is it so hard? Maybe you need to know why you should do it first and then how you can as well.

The practice of mindfulness can increase your ability to capture your emotions, destress, decrease depression and even anxiety. It can help you to become more focused and to observe your thoughts and feelings more honestly.

Try keeping it simple. It starts with breathing and drawing your attention to your breath.

Being in the moment is one thing, but who couldn’t use a vacation, whether you work in an office or from home?

Prioritizing a vacation

Just like anything else in your life that you want. You must set goals and make them a priority.

Do you like to travel? Traveling has recently become more interesting to me. Honestly, I have held myself back from traveling in the past because of the lack of priority.

Three questions to ask yourself about traveling are:

• Is there somewhere you have always wanted to go?
• Is there a city, state, or country you have always seen yourself visiting?
• How about culture? Is there one that interests you?

Sometimes, just taking a break from work and planning a trip can be just the thing to help you get back in balance. I encourage you to explore this area of your life.

Before you know it, you could be on an island drinking a Pina Colada. Or how about climbing Pikes Peak in Colorado?

Even a staycation could be nice. The possibilities are astounding.

Perspective

Life is challenging. Nobody ever promised a trouble-free life. How you embrace life is all up to you.

There is more to life than work or lazing around. The key is to find a happy balance.

Perhaps a personal day off from work is in order, or maybe you need to step it up and get off the couch to clean out that messy closet.

Happiness is contagious. Spread some true joy by filling yourself up first. Life is short, so live for today. You will never regret a day spent with loved ones. Finding a balance between work and home should be a top priority.

There is no place I would rather be than our family shack. Well, okay, maybe Hawaii. Where is your happy place?

I’m writing this as a thank you note to my husband’s dearly beloved grandparents for our beautiful property that has brought so much joy.

I also want to thank Trista Signe Ainsworth for her loving publication, Thank You Notes.