Many of us feel exhausted these days. It’s so common in our world of doing more and constantly being available. I know I feel that way of late, so I have decided to write a more personal article this month, because I think you might find yourself in a similar position: always in doing mode, and rarely in quiet mode. What ought we to do? Try to keep up, or make choices to take care of ourselves since no one else will?

I feel grateful to be my own boss, in the position to set my own schedule. That said, it is still a challenge, because I feel compelled to be available as much as possible to my clients. I also need to be able to keep the business, with all its expenses, afloat. Over the years, I have tended to add on more hours to fit people into an already-full calendar. This has brought me great joy, because I’ve been able to offer the right amount of care for each person who trusts me enough to be my client.

I have been able to manage a busy schedule by doing my best to take care of my health. I have had many wonderful treatments: massage, cranial sacral therapy, chiropractic and, of course, acupuncture. I eat very well, and have Nutrition Response Testing checks frequently. I walk 10 miles per week, year-round. I spend my free time doing things I enjoy, with people who I enjoy and care about. All of these things have been a great support and have helped delay my cup from flowing over.…but now I feel that I’m dancing on the edge.  

What a conundrum. Keep pushing, as most of us do? Or, slow down a bit. How does one find balance? I’m not sure, but I have decided to try. Starting in January, I will be taking two extra days off per month. My goal is to work four days a week in the near future. I will most likely extend my days a bit, so the number of office hours isn’t decreased overall too much. This is an experiment, and we’ll see how it goes.

Over the past couple of years, to spread out the client load a bit, I have sought out practitioners to work in the clinic. Roberta has been a great addition, offering massage therapy. However, I have so far been unable to find the right person who practices acupuncture or Nutrition Response Testing. I’m still open to this option. Perhaps by making room in the schedule, the right person will come along.

As you can tell, this is a tough decision, and it is an experiment. Please bear with us as we figure out the best possible schedule. We always recommend that you call in advance before stopping by to pick up supplements, as our schedule is by appointment. We will be posting the extra days off in the office to assist with planning, as we have in the past for my travel schedule. (And see below.)

Have you found a good work-life balance? What is your New Year’s resolution? I always enjoy hearing your stories, and invite you to share your ideas, solutions and goals with me. Happy 2018 to all!

• Are you feeling better since working with us? Are you in less pain? If so, please spread the word to anyone you think would benefit from our work. We love referrals!