In the movie ‘Eat Pray Love’, Liz Gilbert (Julia Roberts) had reached a crisis in her life. The irony was that all she once dreamt of and worked hard to achieve in life, was what was exhausting her.
She had a successful career, a beautiful home and loving husband, and she was exhausted with everything and was so unhappy that she found herself lost and confused about what she really wanted in life.
After a painful divorce, Gilbert decided to take a break from everything, a decision that sent her off on a journey around the world. She was on a quest for self-discovery. And in her travels, she discovered the true pleasure of nourishment by eating in Italy; the power of prayer in India and, finally the inner peace and balance of true love in Bali.
Gilbert’s life as depicted in the movie is based on a true story. It also reflects how today’s fast-paced world has become the irony of modern lives.
Many are so occupied with chasing success, wealth and power, and it is this frenzied and over-powering routine that is draining lives faster than anyone can imagine.
Rogers Ndemezo, a sales agent, observes that everyone is trying to achieve as much as they possibly can and that this is what is causing the frenzy.
"Some think that moving in this fast lane is what defines success, they are afraid to be left behind if they stop, but this shouldn’t be the case. It is important for one to slow down and take a break for the sake of one’s health and happiness,” he says.
Adam Manzi, a production manager, says that chronic stress is one of the most common health issues in the world and in the workplace.
How does a person get chronic stress? By overdoing it!! Without appropriate work life balance, you are bound to suffer from chronic stress or other stress related issues. Many people nowadays tend to work constantly for money. They think money will make up for that time they put in. That it will make it all better. This is a very common misconception that needs to be rectified for a better standard of living, he says.
Why you need to find balance
Media personality Isabella Masozera says that finding that balance is not a simple copy-paste job, adding that it’s personal, for one needs to truly look at themselves to discover what works, and that no inspirational books or tips can replace that.
Masozera shares that her weakness, like most moms, was neglecting exercise and personal time.
"I found myself depressed and decided to do something about it. Now I start my day at 5am and the first two hours are ‘me-time.’ I meditate then plan my day. It’s important to take care of yourself first! It doesn’t suit me to begin my morning with an exercise routine but I find slots for that later in the day. After almost 20 years I have also gone back to basketball,” she says.
Manzi also says that there are many reasons why it is absolutely essential that each person maintains a healthy balance between their professional and personal life.
He reasons that this balance is needed to keep your mental health. Working long hours or doing constant overtime for just a bit more money is not the healthiest or best choice. Your brain needs as much rest as possible.
When constantly working, you are constantly using energy. Without balancing this out with enough rest, you will be burned out because you are not recharging the batteries that you have been using, Manzi explains, adding that finding balance increases productivity.
"Putting in long hours of work might make you feel that you are doing great and being productive but it does the opposite. Your brain has a limit, when you work past that limit; you are much slower and less efficient,” he says.
He also reveals that taking a break is vital for it helps to actually discover ourselves.
"Find out our hobbies and interests. This might lead to even better discoveries such as talents or skills we weren’t aware of. This can only happen if we are able to shut off work and actually live life, enjoy and try new things every once in a while.”
How to find balance
Yvonne Umutesi a business woman shares her experience saying that she used to overwork herself, believing that it was the only way she was going to be successful.
"But this caused more harm than good, I now make time for my family, I go on vacations and always make time for myself over the weekends regardless of how much work I have,” she shares.
Manzi emphasises the need to rest one’s body. When you are constantly working and not taking care of your body, this may lead to actual physical illnesses, he says.
"One has to put up boundaries, for example, no work after 5pm and on weekends. Always plan for vacation time, exercise regularly, spend time with friends and family as this can help relax your mind and take your mind off of things.”