In the Shining, it made Jack “a dull boy” and he became a psychopath.

In an episode of House who is a physician, he treated a woman with amnesia. When she went to her home she asked several questions about her life. She was a highly successful civil rights attorney and an avid runner. She found a photo of herself surfing and gleefully asked “I’m a surfer!?” Her husband replied “You gave it up before we met because you were too busy with your career.” Her face dropped with disappointment. As she learned more about her life she said something like “This just doesn’t sound like me (although she remembered nothing of her past). I was always working?” Her husband said “No, you ran.” She said “running sounds like more work to me.”

Don’t wait for a wake-up call to find balance in your life. Don’t wait for your deathbed either. Give this some thought: ON your deathbed are you more likely to wish that you had been more successful in your career and made more money – or are you more likely to regret not spending more time with family and friends, having fun, and being engaged in your passions?

If you feel like the woman with amnesia on House – that your life is all work – start by carving out at least 2 hours a week for something that you want to do. This could be 20 minutes/day or a 2 hour block. If you feel you don’t have time – make time. The world will not come to a crashing end if you postpone responsibilities.

By Jennifer L. Abel, Ph.D.
Author of Active Relaxation
available on Amazon

Many people live their lives according to the myth that increasing stress will improve their performance.

Take Sarah Hughes in the 2002 Ladies Figure Skating at the Olympics.  After a disappointing first skate when she was a little too stressed, she gave up on the idea of winning a gold medal.  Before the second skate she decided to have fun and was also excited to skate for the crowd at the Olympics.  This attitude put her right in the pocket for a stellar performance and because the other women didn’t skate as well she won the gold medal.

A major premise of my book, Active Relaxation, is to learn strategies that you can use without stopping your flow of activity.  No matter where you are or what you are doing you can focus on what you see, what you hear, and what you feel. Even when it is very quiet you can hear the sound of your breathing and even when your eyes are closed, you can see the back of your eyelids.  Of course, sometimes you may see or smell things too.  Try changing the wallpaper on your computer and phone such that when you see it you will be reminded to focus on the moment.  Change the ringtone on your phone as a reminder as well. Remember it’s not necessary for you to stop in order to be mindful and you can enjoy the relaxation that focusing on your senses brings without sacrificing, and likely even improving your productivity.

Jennifer L. Abel, Ph.D.

author of “Active Relaxation: How to Increase Productivity and Achieve Balance by Decreasing Stress and Anxiety”