Out of touch

I know, I’ve been quiet on the blog the last few days. I’ve been busy, mostly doing things, and spending time with, my wife. Since she was going to be gone for the long weekend, I really wanted to put the laptop aside for a few days and spend my spare time with her. It’s all part of something I’ve actually been meaning to write about, having a good work-life balance.

The stereotype of IT folks, of course, doesn’t exactly paint a picture of someone who understands the importance of having a good work-life balance, and that’s something we should be working to change, not embrace. Without the proper amount of sleep, good nutrition, and healthy relationships outside of work, we are not at our best at work either. There are plenty of studies that show we simply can’t work 14-15 hours a day, or sleep a couple of hours here and there and still be at our optimal mental awareness. It simple isn’t possible.

Just think of all the “biggest mistake” stories you hear from your peers that start out the same way: “It was 2AM and we’d been working all day”. You just are much more likely to make a huge mistake like that when you haven’t slept, or eaten, or are having serious work-life balance issues. As much as we sometimes simply need to work on certain projects at odd hours, if you really want to perform your best work day in and day out, take care of yourself.

I’m not saying we all have to go out and turn into organic food eating, green tea drinking, health freaks (unless you already are..), but it probably wouldn’t hurt to have a meal that doesn’t involve Mountain Dew and Snickers once in a while, get a good night’s rest, or get out and enjoy the company of other folks instead of your tech gadgets, etc. You know, get some balance.  This long, holiday weekend would be a great time to do it!

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