Take Time to Just Be

Originally Published July 2021

According to a survey completed  by the e-commerce company Groupon, more than half of Americans have an unhealthy work-life balance.  “Sixty percent of respondents indicated that the pressures and responsibilities of the workplace and home life don't have boundaries. A third of Americans said they work too hard, with 40% responding that they work too many hours.” 

And that survey was completed in 2019 before the pandemic! 

The impact of an unhealthy work-life balance is stress that has an impact on both our mental health and physical health. We know the importance of  rest and relaxation, but it can be difficult to actually take the time for it. 

We also know that work can be rewarding.  As educators we value work and are committed to helping  students find career pathways that challenge and excite them.  And yet, we don’t want them to one day find that work stress prevents them from enjoying their career.

So what do we do?  How do we regain the balance that we need?  How do we ensure that we have the rest we need so that when we return to work, we are energized and ready to face the challenges of our jobs?

After some research and from my own experiences, I am convinced that we have to find ways to physically move to a place where we can truly disconnect from work for a time. For me, I have to spend time each year at the beach. The sound of the crashing waves, the taste of the salt air, and the warmth of the sun take me to a place of peace and joy. And there is even scientific research of the positive impact that a beach can have on our mental health and wellbeing.  I know that I most definitely benefit from beach time. It is a time where I can just “be” for a few days every summer.

At this midpoint of summer, I hope that you will find your beach. Whether that is an actual beach, a lake, the mountains, a local park or forest, or a destination. Take some time to disconnect from work, worry, and stress for a time. Take time to just be.