This was an unusual week for me. Not because there wasn’t a snowstorm, or because I finally found time to go shoe shopping.
It was unusual because I went out to dinner three times.
When I was in my twenties and working in New York City, my friends and I would think nothing of dining out every night. We were young, and the world was our oyster. Needless to say my bank account suffered from all of those pearls.
But that’s another story.
These days, my life is a busy one, filled with countless hours of work and the heavy demands of my personal life.
I’m not complaining because I love what I do, but sometimes my social life suffers. That bothers me a lot.
So I’ve decided to take better care of my social needs by finding time to engage in the world outside of social media.
Yes, there are people who also exist outside of my laptop. I vaguely remember that.
I love spending quality time with friends, family and colleagues. I find true value in maintaining an equal balance between the deeply satisfying work I do and having an active and vibrant social life.
It’s something I’ve been missing for awhile, and it’s time to get back into the game.
This week, I went out one night with my nephew and son while they’re on spring break. Another was dinner with a dear friend I haven’t seen in a year, and another was a lovely romantic dinner with my husband.
Dinners from around the world - Mexican, Thai and Vietnamese -filled my stomach and my heart.
But wait! I’ve been writing about being on the Jenny Craig program, so how could I enjoy three dinners out?
It was simple. I was careful with my portion sizes, filled my plate with more vegetables than protein, and drank a lot of water.
I also planned ahead by time by stepping up my exercise routine. My new Fitbit was a big help by forcing me to increase the number of steps I took each day. That way, if I ate too many tortilla chips, a couple of vegetable spring rolls or drank a delicious glass (or two) of Spatlese, the total amount of steps I took would work in my favor.
When Judgment Day came, and I stepped onto the always-dreaded scale, I found out my game plan worked.
I was down another pound.
It feels good to know I’m taking baby steps toward taking better care of not only my physical needs, but also my social ones.
We all need to think of ourselves as a whole person instead of difference pieces that make up the whole. We are born whole, and tending toward our health should always include taking care of our emotional and social needs, no matter how busy we are. We all deserve it.
How do you balance your work life with your personal one?
*I received a free month on the Jenny Craig program and a discount on food for this review. There was no compensation. All opinions are solely my own. NOTE: Clients following the Jenny Craig program lose, on average, 1 -2 lbs. per week.
Well that's great news! I have been eating so much this winter and am gaining weight left and right, very annoying. I need to get on track and start eating less carbs. That Mexican food looks delicious right about now!
Glad you're enjoying life in real time, and through your virtual relationships. If I come to New York in August (I might for a work conference), I am hoping you'll come and meet me for lunch! Then we can be virtual and real life friends! Hugs.
I love your active pursuit of balance. You are truly an inspiration. And truly responsible for making my stomach growl with that photo of food. Yum!
I have been working on creating a balance between work and life outside of work. I signed up for a non credit course in photography to meet some people who enjoy doing the same. I also have made an effort to reconnect with old friends and going to a movie, lunch. For me, I have found I need to reach out or else I tend to work, come home and become the person behind the laptop. Thanks for sharing.
Just getting on track myself. This was inspiring!