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5 Tips for where the "Slow Movement" and work life balance intersect
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New York City during the holidays is nothing short of breathtaking. From the windows of Bergdoff Goodman and Saks - to the lights that adorn the architechtual wonders and parks near Central Park, it's a delightful juicy taste of holiday mayhem.
In an about face to the hustle of the holidays which include shopping on Fifth Avenue, hitting the hot spots for happy hour and rushing to the next party this week - a friend suggested slowing down. Whatever did he mean? There was too much to do, and so much to explore this weekend. I was missing the point. He was talking about savoring the lightness of the season - even at work.
Instead of heading to another workplace party, he suggested having a "slow" dinner. He explained his idea was based on the "Slow Movement" - a shift in consciousness that begin in Italy and has spread globally. It encourages human beings to take a chill, and the trend has manifested in various niches including, "Slow Food," "'Slow Cities," and "Slow Travel." Another group advocating a slow down across the board is the "Take Back Your Time" initiative.
Instead of racing down fifth avenue to hit numerous shops he suggested just playing at the Apple store across from the Plaza for an hour. There would be no bar hopping tonight, but there would be a "slow" walk down fifth avenue along Central Park.
During the holiday season we spend so much time doing what needs to be done instead of enjoying the views around us, the people we work with, and the contemplative nature of endings and new beginnings as we head into 2009. It's also a good time to consider our work life scenario and what we can do to improve the merging of our living and working experience. How can we be more present both at home and in the workplace?
The Slow Movement is gaining in popularity as we acknowledge that living in a 24/7 global marketplace requires an enormous amount of attention. We are spread thin in an exponentially changing world. Even though many companies offer work life balance or flexibility initiatives, we are truly the only ones who can control our work life scenario. The holidays will be gone before you know it. Here are some suggestions to take it a bit slower at work that won't derail your career when employers are looking to do more with less.
- Make a phone call: Instead of penning an e-mail pick up the phone to have a conversation with a co-worker.
- Make a visit to a co-worker: This will really be a shocker. Instead of picking up the phone, take a walk to a colleague office for a real conversation.
- Take a lunch break away from the Black Berry: This depends on the work you do, but you'll be amazed at what a breath of fresh air it brings to your day.
- Talk a walk: Do it - period - without your Black Berry.
- Take a music break: Listening to calming music is a physiologically proven stress-reducing method.
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