What are you doing to balance your life?
Anne,
You already know mine, but I would like to share it with others. Three times a week I go to water aerobics classes. The pool is heated so I can do this year-round. Since I have experienced some side effects from my recent breast cancer treatment I have found the water even more relaxing, yet it provides zero-gravity exercise so there is no pounding on my joints or feet (which have peripheral neuropathy). There is also camaraderie in the water that is like no other. There is no expensive equipment needed and the fresh air and being outdoors is invigorating!
Marilyn Van Houten, RN MS CDMS CCM
President/Case Management Consultant
Rehabilitation Case Management, Inc
mvanhouten@rehabcasemgt.com
Anne,
I decided that the world around me was getting too demanding, especially since we were hit by Katrina in 2005. So one day I decided to put me first and do what I needed to do to cope. I joined our wellness center — a full gym — and began to exercise 3-4 times a week after work. This has done wonders for me. Not only has it relieved stress, but this is my time to enjoy what I really like. I have also lost some weight, lowered my blood pressure and toned by body. I feel so much better and enjoy every minute of my time.
Suzanne E. Grosz, MSN, RN, CCM, CPUR
Select Medical
Case Manager
Metairie, LA
sgrosz@selectmedicalcorp.com
Anne,
Teaching my nine-and-a-half-year-old son Jonathan relaxation methods has forced me into compliance. When we wake up we do our stretching in the morning. He has participated in yoga and knows many deep breathing techniques. At school he uses a squeeze ball to help with concentration. I hope that with these skills (one of the few 9-year olds I know who has them) we will be doing our part to assist the next generation to cope with life’s challenge of maintaining balance.
For me I believe employers should allow for office professionals to work at home at least one day a week to “catch up” on activities that are difficult to get done in an office setting because of the obvious distractions. My peace comes from walking around in my garden and watching the flowers bloom while I do business on the phone. Frequent stretch breaks are necessary to avoid aches and pains. We also need to stop letting those vacation days add up and plan frequent relaxing long weekends for to recoup our energy!
Maura Lessard
Independent Consultant
President
MEMS
mauralessard@memsconsulting.net
Anne,
We lost our 17 year old son to suicide last fall. It’s been the most unimaginable thing we have ever faced in our lives. Initially, I thought I’d quit my job, resign from the outside activities I was involved in and stay at home to be with our other, younger son. After support from friends and family and a lot of soul searching, I realized that was the last thing I should do. I needed to start with taking one breath at a time, then one hour and then one day at a time. I needed to put my energy into doing good things as I know that is what our son would want me to do.
I keep very busy at work, volunteer in my Rotary club and other charitable activities in our area, and lean on my friends, family, husband, and God for support. I take time to be thankful for the good in my life and breathe every day. It keeps me going!
Sally Harrison
Marketing and PR Director
Physicians Physical Therapy Service
sharrison@pptsonline.com
