Someone wrote that the theory of work-life balance where we try to give equal time and attention to our professional and personal lives, and treating them like two different things is no longer effective in this modern cyber world.
Since we are not unplugged at home, emails and calls from work are inevitable; sometimes we even need to bring home work. So, how are we going to manage this? And what about those who work from home, how do they draw the line?
Some say that finding the perfect blend works best. One suggested to think like making a cocktail, what are the elements we want to put in? A cocktail glass can only contain so much, and like our lives; we can only do so much in a day, a week, a month, a year. That's why we must choose well which ones to include in our lives. We need to prioritize.
Well, I am not employed anymore so I don't need to divide my time between work and play, but I need a perfect blend more than ever. We seniors know that we are living in borrowed time; so many things to do, lots to focus on with so little time.
Here are the things I'd love to incorporate in my life. I'm hoping to make a good blend so I can enjoy a wholesome lifestyle. Wholesome meaning conducive to and suggestive of good health and well being.
A load of family time
Time with my family is the first to go into my blend. I don't want to miss any milestone in their lives. I'd drop everything for a chance to bond with any and all of them.
A dash of social life
I read about a lady at 80 who didn't want to bother with the workings of the Internet and does Facebook live. Everyday she walks along main street and talks to people; sharing what she is currently doing, talking about her feelings like she is posting them. She carries pictures of her grandchildren, her pet, where she dined last night to show around and she gets likes and comments personally from people.
Likewise she gives comments and thumbs up to peoples' stories. As of her writing, she already has 4 followers. Isn't that interesting, bringing Facebook to another level? Instead of sitting down with her gadget, she's interacting with actual people. I'd say that's a great social life. It just proves that if there's a will, there's a way.
Diet
I can't say which diet is best for anyone, this depends on our health condition. My doctor says to go slow on sweets, fatty and spicy foods and I can eat anything I want but only in moderation. I believe this is a good idea for everyone.
It is challenging to eat right at all times especially when we have company or when we eat out or while traveling. Im just glad I found a healthy everyday breakfast that I like.
A heavy dose of exercise
I met this health-buff neighbor who became a good friend on my morning walks. Her health mantra: "good health is based on 70% diet and 30% exercise. That seems to work for her since she must be in her golden years but she runs 2 kilometers daily; when we walk together, I can't even keep up with her.
Walking is my main exercise, I think it is the best and safest exercise for seniors like me. While walking, I think clearly and I gather inspiration for my blog. Exercise is necessary in our lives, this is non-negotiable; we just have to do it in any which way that works for us.
Double or triple splash of hygiene
Hygiene is very important to keep harmful bacteria at bay. Moreover, we seniors should double or triple our hygienic routine otherwise we can't expect our grandchildren to stay on our laps, much less want to kiss or hug us.
Stir in passion to realize our dreams
The pursuit of a dream will make us do and experience new things we never thought possible. Doing what I love gives me great satisfaction mentally and emotionally along with a feeling of pride and accomplishment.
The beauty of "blending a cocktail" idea makes my life less of a monotony because I can change the formula as often as I want. In fact, I can customize it as I go along by allocating more time for those that make my life more interesting.
Did you know that even if we failed to take better care of ourselves earlier and have been careless with our diet, it would still make a lot of difference if we start now? It is never too late to live healthy because at the end of the day our overall health depends on how we manage it. Therefore today is the best day to exercise good choices in our diet and activities.
I hope that the basic recipe I chose would work for me. My gauge? I have to ask my self. Do I feel that sense of well being? Am I happy and fulfilled? Do I feel great most of the time in spite some stiff joints and the little aches and pains due to old age? Did I miss anything in the lives of my love ones?
Have I found the perfect blend? If not, I better change my concoction.