Simple Shifts for a Better Life
When I ask people “What have you been up to?” the usual answer is something like “Just going to work, coming home.” Know this, your work is important, but its only one part of your life.
Sure, it provides income, community, routine and a sense of purpose. It puts you in a position to help people on a daily basis. However, the other areas need attention too. Your family, your hobbies, your friends outside of work…all of these elements are essential to your sanity and overall enjoyment of life.
Of course, you know this. That’s why you’re reading this article. Now, you could quit your job right now and radically restructure your life, but you probably don’t really want that. And, truth be told, small changes are the longest lasting and most impactful.
With that in mind, here are 3 simple changes you can make right now to profoundly improve your work-life balance.
- Exercise Throughout Your Day
Studies have shown that short workouts done throughout the day are more beneficial for your health than trying to bang out 30 mins at the gym after work. Every 45 mins or so, get up and stretch, walk around the building, or do a few pushups. This will give you more energy, a sharper brain and loads of endorphins that make you happier. That way you have the energy to play with your friends and family when the workday is done.
- Meditate Frequently
Don’t force yourself into a rigorous schedule of an hour of meditation every morning. Get 5 minutes in. Then another 5 minutes at lunch. Then another 5 after work in your car. Set the timer, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. This will keep you from over-stressing and becoming reactive. Your friends and family will appreciate that…and it doesn’t take much on your part.
- Unplug During Important Activities
When you go to a concert, attend your kids’ soccer game, or sit down for games with your friends, turn your phone off. Better yet, leave it someplace safe in your car. You can pick it up later, I promise. For these few precious moments, ditch your digital life and live in the present for a while.
Making positive changes in your life can sometimes feel overwhelming. You don’t have to drastically overhaul your life at one time. Start living a little differently, and soon you’ll see huge improvements.
Live Your Best Life!
Naomi D. Jones
For more information on transforming your life, contact Naomi D. Jones. Naomi is a Life Architect/ Success Coach, Author, Speaker, Registered Nurse, and Mentor. Naomi supports individual transformation in the areas of Personal and Leadership Development. Naomi serves as a catalyst by helping people live extraordinary lives as they also build Legacy. Her latest program, “Check Y.U.R. Chicken: How to Stop A Self-Defeating Mindset” is exciting audiences everywhere teaching women how to get out of their own way by releasing fear and finding the courage to live their best life!
Moms and Nurses are two of my favorite groups of people. Why? Because they are nurturers. As a mom and a nurse for over 35 years. I can identify with the biggest problem that most nurturers face. That is the problem of taking time out for ourselves.
When you’re living in your purpose with passion you will have what you really want….satisfaction and fulfillment. Being aware of who you are will absolutely guide you in your ability to accurately plan for what will make you “happy.”
Don’t procrastinate. Procrastination is a stealer of dreams and a saboteur of accomplishing goals. ‘Don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today’ needs to be your mantra when it comes to your goals. It’s all about renewing our commitment to ourselves! When you don’t allow procrastination to hold you back you will always be moving forward with less setbacks or missed opportunities.
Naomi D. Jones MS, RN, CRNI is a Registered Nurse, Certified Life Coach, Author and Inspirational Speaker. In 2005, Naomi started her company, Consults Unlimited Inc., because she wanted to share her genuine, compassionate concern for future generations. This desire led Naomi to develop coaching programs in Personal and Leadership Development for nurses and others who are seeking to be better, do better and have better so you can serve better. She believes that we should all strive to be transformational leaders from within using our mind, body, soul and spirit. As leaders, we can enjoy building our legacy and be effective in changing the lives of others. Naomi has over 35 years in nursing, of which 20 are in management. She holds a Master’s Degree in Health Administration, several certifications and served in the U.S. Army Nurse Corp Reserves. She is the author of “Lead Powerfully From Within” which was released March 2017 and “Check Y.U.R. Chicken: How To Stop A Self Defeating Mindset” to be released January 2018” and the co-author of several publications.
We all have goals, both personal and professional yet so many go unrealized. Why? Because we don’t have a systematic, foolproof way to set or meet our goals. At times, lack of proven strategies affect the way we manage as nursing leaders.
You are a unique and complex human being. You can only make appropriate goals for yourself when you understand what makes you tick.
When – Right Now! Don’t procrastinate. Procrastination is a stealer of dreams and a saboteur of accomplishing goals. Don’t allow it to hold you back from doing what you need to do today. It’s all about renewing our commitment to ourselves!
operate within your purpose in life, you will feel the joy because you will be setting, meeting and fulfilling your goals and your purpose for being here. Jeremiah 29:11 ‘He knows the plans He has for you’.
Develop Focus– Distraction is easy to come by in this day and time. Cell phones, computers, social media and TV, just to name a few. You have to prioritize and focus. One acronym for focus is ‘Follow One Course Until Successful’. 
As a Life Coach, I am all about your success! With over 35 years in nursing and 20 of those years in management, I have found the secret to enjoying my life and career. I want to share those secrets with you.
Are nursing leadership and work life balance contradictory terms? Many nurses are wondering if this idea of a balanced life is fact or fiction. Many organizations state they promote “work life balance” as a recruiting tool. When speaking to those same nursing leaders, the feeling of balance seems to be elusive. I had a great conversation this week with a fellow nurse friend of mine about how we attain equilibrium in our lives as nurse leaders. What became very clear early in our conversation is that managing our careers is difficult to say the least. There are so many things you have to coordinate i.e. yourself, your staff, (direct and indirect reports), co-workers, your upper management team and don’t forget the work itself! Then we have a “Life” that also needs management. Relationships with spouses, partners, children, grandchildren and parents pose their own challenges. Handling personal finances is another factor where achieving balance necessitates confrontation. In today’s economy, so many nurses I know work more than one job. Nurses in management may experience some limits since they are salaried and already work long hours.
Life Coach RN 