A lot of people ask me how I am able to decompress, how I find time to write, or how I manage not to let work as a divorce lawyer get me down in the dumps. One word: boundaries. Over the past decade, I have really made it a point to detach from work, so that it does not seep into my personal time with family and friends. My evenings and weekends are mine, and if someone cannot respect that, then we need to terminate the working relationship because my mental and emotional well-being is not for sale. In the meantime, I have a systematic way of rebooting, and here it is:
1. Meditate– Even just a few minutes in the morning, sitting in absolute silence are just golden. Give thanks for at least three things in life. Gratitude and humility go a long way, and there is no better way to start your day that with this in mind.
2. Connect with Nature— Go for a walk either during lunch, in the evening, or on the weekends. Take in the sounds and beauty of nature. There is so much beauty around us– and if you are like me & into flowers, go buy some for yourself. Nature has incredible healing powers.
3. Shut off the electronics— No phone, tv, emails, or electronics for a least a few hours in the evening. Take time to read or listen to music. Write in your journal. Go to the gym and get all your aggression out.
4. Find Your Own Fun– Don’t wait for someone to spoil you– you know what you like and can spoil yourself. Book a spa appointment, take a language class online, bake some yummy cupcakes, and treat yourself to the movies alone– no need to compromise with anyone, you pick exactly what you like!
5. Make Time for Loved Ones– It is really hard to coordinate schedules with friends sometimes. Let’s face it we are all very busy and time is a rare commodity, but if you love someone, you have to make time to catch up, check in, show that you care. Don’t take friends and family for granted– they are your legacy, not your billable hours.
So there you have it, my 5 tips to remaining sane in a crazy world. Hope you will take some of these tips to heart– especially this Mother’s Day weekend. And to all those amazing moms out there struggling to find that work-life balance, just know that it can be done– you will get there, but don’t expect it to just happen, you have to find a way to reboot on your own and don’t let anyone ignore your boundaries!
By Regina A. DeMeo, Esq.
