Why You Need Balance In Your Life

As someone who works from home while also working outside the home, I struggle to find a balance between working and enjoying my family. This is especially true when I am really excited about a project.

I have been writing a few e-books lately. It started out as one and then became two. I then thought I should re-write the one from a few years ago since it is not as relevant anymore!

Not only that, but I have been working on writing a mom e-book, which I started years ago when I had a sick baby and a one-year-old. I had just lost my job and was struggling with helplessness since I wasn’t bringing in any money. Though I was really proud of it, I realized that it wasn't my best work. For that reason, I am re-editing it and adding to it. I never realized how depressed I was during that time in my life!

I was really proud of my last e-book. I put a lot into it. I am really starting to think that it would make a good series. The ideas are swirling around in my head and I find myself writing on the computer any free minute that I get. I carry my laptop outside when the kids are playing. I sit beside my husband, typing away, while he is fixing vehicles. If he is not ready for bed and our television in bed with the boys, I am furiously typing away.

Writing e-books has taken over my life!

I don’t have much balance right now because I am so excited about it! I am continuing to write for DVM Multimedia and actually just completed a huge project which also had me typing furiously! However, instead of trying to pick up other writing gigs, I have been spending so much time writing my e-books.

The sad thing about it is that I don’t think I have sold any copies yet! I know that they are residual income and will continue to bring in money for years, so I am not really worried. I am just so excited to get all of the ideas out of my head into a book form. I hope that they are helpful.

Anyway, I need to slow down, though it is so hard because I am so passionate about my e-books!

So, how can you find time outside of work, especially if you are so excited about a project! Here are some tips to help! I hope to take my own advice.

Schedule downtime. It is just as important to schedule your downtime as it is to schedule the time that you need to work.

Realize that you will come back refreshed and ready to work harder. Even if you are super excited, you need to know that people who take breaks do a better job because they have time to relax. They come back to a project refreshed and ready to start again. You might accomplish even more than you thought possible – even with a short break!

Start slow. You don’t have to take long breaks – even a half an hour break will do wonders for your productivity. You can always add onto it when you have more time to take a break!

Be accountable. I am sure that your family wants to spend time with you too, so make your husband (or wife) accountable for your actions. Even if they have to lock up your computer, make sure that they are willing to make you take a break, no matter how much you fight them!

Remember that you don’t want to burn out. Even if you are super excited about something, you will still burn out if you continue at such a fast pace. You need to remember that you WILL burn out, no matter how passionate you are about something! Pace yourself – you will get it done!

It is so important to find a balance. You need (and deserve) to take breaks and enjoy your family. Spring is here – get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. A nice walk will do wonders for your fitness and your mental health!

Just take a break! You deserve it!