Maintaining a work life balance can definitely be a struggle when your passions blend both work and play. For many people, having hobbies outside of your work life helps bring balance. For me, because I love my work so much, my work becomes my hobby. For instance, because I grew up in the beer business, my love for ‘beer making’ at our business, Tri-Eagle Sales, merges my hobby and my work. Bringing Hearth and Soul to life also blends my work into a hobby as I personally love serving friends and our communities. I find it hard to break away from always thinking about new ideas or ways to reward, motivate and inspire the team, improve customer service, product selection, process improvements, etc. My mind is always thinking about what’s next!
One of the ways that I find relaxation is going to a place that, just by being there, brings a soothing calm over me. For me, that is the beach. Hearing the sound of the ocean, feeling the sand in my toes or a warm ocean breeze, watching the pelicans fly, and sinking into a great beach read.
Some of my favorite authors include Danielle Steel (yes, you heard me!) An EASY romance beach read is the best because it allows me to disconnect. I also loved Where the Crawdad’s Sing, Far Outside the Ordinary, The Boys in the Boat, Green Lights and great reads by Colleen Hoover. I also love to read inspirational leadership and business books like The Fish Philosophy, Hug Your Customers and Wisdom of the Bullfrog.
The beach allows my business mind to be more open to new thoughts and ideas, challenging old paradigms and opening new ones. And when I’m relaxing at the beachside, I never forget the sunscreen. OSEA and Supergoop are my favorites along with my ever present Jack Black SPF lip balm.
If going to the beach is not in the cards, I find babysitting my adorable grandson, cooking dinner for friends and family, making the kids’ favorite chocolate chip muffins or scheduling a long walk with friends to be just the break I need. I also love to take what I call a “pajama day” where I literally stay in my pajamas all day and enjoy being at home with family and the pups!
You really have to work hard to develop hobbies outside of work when you love your work so much. I have to continue reminding myself how important this is for me and for our team members. Too much work and not enough play is not good for any of us! So here’s to a great pajama day in the near future to refresh and unwind!
Cheers!
Susie
