Rein in your Routine: Lessons on Work-Life Balance from the Saddle

Written by: Jennifer McPherson

For someone who has been through several bouts of burnout, overwhelm is a very familiar feeling for me. My last workplace burnout was in the middle of the pandemic and caused me to take a voluntary (and necessary) 6 month sabbatical. When I started working again, I vowed to do better for myself.

I can’t stress enough the importance of work-life balance, self-care, and being able to have something at the end of your days and weeks to “punctuate” them. Go ahead, put a big old exclamation point right there. 5 pm every day! Friday afternoons!  

❗ = Yoga Class
❗ = Dinner with friends
❗ = Vegging out and playing your favourite video game (for me that’s Stardrew Valley)

Commit to doing something at the end of your day and week to look forward to and hold yourself accountable for. The work will always be there (that’s supposed to make you feel better not stress you out). What I’m saying is - If you continue to keep working past your day until the work is done, then it’s possible that you could never stop. And that’s bananas! “Tomorrow you” can handle it. Monday is waiting for you. I promise. Studies and statistics have shown a clear relationship between working hours and productivity, often challenging the traditional notion that longer hours mean more output. Spoiler alert: It doesn’t. *

Last month I did my part to recharge. I spent a weekend on a horse ranch in the Thompson Okanagan, BC to get some equine therapy. When I was on a horse hiking my way through juniper and sagebrush I had some thoughts on what it takes to dedicate time to finding balance in life. 

🌳Reconnect with Nature: 

One effective method to achieve this balance is by reconnecting with nature. This isn't just about taking a break; it's about engaging deeply with the world around us to rejuvenate our minds and bodies. Nature offers more than just a beautiful backdrop; it provides a space for physical interactions. Using sensory engagement like touching the water, feeling the earth, breathing fresh air, and even building a fire, serves as a reminder of our connection to a larger world, offering a fresh perspective that can help realign our priorities.

🤐Be Quiet: 

Escaping into the woods or spending time by a lake allows us to embrace the quiet or share moments with friends away from the hustle of city life. These experiences help remind us that we are part of a larger ecosystem and encourage a deeper respect and appreciation for the environment.

🫦Get Uncomfortable:

Reconnecting with nature also means stepping out of our comfort zones. It might be trying rock climbing, learning to kayak, or doing a solo camping adventure. Engaging in new and challenging activities not only recharges our soul but also boosts our confidence and resilience. 

⚖️Find the Balance:

Achieving work-life balance is not about keeping score; it's about finding what keeps us grounded. Nature helps us remember that work is not the only aspect of our lives deserving of our energy. By setting aside time to indulge in our passions and explore the outdoors, we not only improve our physical health but also cultivate mental and emotional strength.

💜Embrace Your Passions:

Ultimately, finding balance is about embracing our passions and rediscovering the joy of living. Whether it’s spending a quiet afternoon fishing, taking a long bike ride on a sunny day, or sitting by a campfire under the stars, these moments allow us to reflect on our life's path and realign our goals and dreams. They remind us to slow down, enjoy the present, and ensure that we're living life to its fullest, not just surviving it.

Incorporating nature into our lives as a regular practice can transform the way we view work and leisure. It teaches us to value the moments of stillness and the thrill of adventure, providing a solid foundation for a happier and healthier life. So, take the time to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and allow nature to help find your perfect balance.

*A study by Stanford University found that productivity per hour declines sharply when the workweek exceeds 50 hours. After 55 hours, productivity drops so drastically that putting in any more hours is practically useless. The study suggests that the optimal number of working hours per week should not exceed 50.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted work patterns, with many businesses adopting remote working policies. Initial data suggested that despite the reduction in hours spent in traditional office settings, productivity in many sectors has either maintained or increased, likely due to reduced commuting times and greater work-life balance.

Excessive working hours have been linked to higher rates of employee burnout, turnover, and health issues, which ultimately decrease overall productivity. A survey by Gallup found that employee engagement and productivity are maximized when workers have some degree of flexibility in their schedules.