How To Not Always Be Working
Marlee Grace
17 min
7 Key Points
4.6 RateWhat's inside?
Explore strategies to balance your work life and personal life, while fostering creativity and prioritizing self-care.
You'll learn
1. How to keep work from invading your personal life2. Tips to stay creative when you're off the clock3. Making self-care a part of your everyday routine4. Keeping stress at bay and avoiding burnout5. Why you need to chill out to stay productive6. Building a healthier work-life relationship.Key points
01Chill out and focus on your health when you're off work
Marlee Grace's journey is a perfect example of the idea that "free time is a chance to focus on your health and well-being". This isn't about being lazy or jobless, but about understanding the real impact of work on our lives. Back in 2015, Marlee was living in Michigan, happily married, and running Have Company, a shop and artists’ residency. She loved to knit, finding it a calming way to manage her anxiety and depression. Wanting to combine her passion with her work, she started selling yarn at her shop, turning her hobby into a money-maker. But this decision had a surprising side effect. Marlee became totally absorbed in her work, to the point of obsession. Even when she was hanging out with her spouse, she was always checking her emails. When she was knitting, she was constantly thinking about how it could help her business. She was making money, but she was also losing herself in her work. Things changed when her marriage ended, and she moved to California. Now, she was her own boss, which was both freeing and scary. On one hand, she could work at her own pace without anyone telling her what to do. On the other hand, she was the only one responsible for her income, which was a scary thought. In this new chapter of her life, Marlee realized that she had been so wrapped up in her work that she had forgotten about her health and well-being. This made her see the importance of intentionally taking time off from work. She discovered that free time isn't just about chilling out or having fun, but it's a chance to focus on your health and well-being. Marlee's story is a powerful lesson about the importance of balancing work and self-care. It's a reminder that while work is important, it shouldn't take over our lives to the point where we forget about our health and well-being. It also gives practical tips on how to make the most of our free time, showing that it's not just about doing less work, but about doing more of what feeds our body and soul.
02Know what your job entails to keep work and personal life separate
Let's chat about work. Not just the 9-to-5 grind, but all the tasks and activities that fill our days. You see, we often label things as 'work' based on how tough they are. If it's hard or demanding, it's work. If it's easy or fun, it's not. But that's not quite right, is it? Think about it. Maybe you love painting and could spend hours lost in your art. That doesn't feel like work, does it? But then there's the paperwork or admin tasks that might only take an hour, but feel like a mountain of work. The tricky part is when the things we love start to take over. We get so caught up in them that we forget to take a break, to drink water, to move our bodies. And that's when we risk burning out. It can strain our relationships and our well-being. So, how do we fix this? Start by figuring out what 'work' means to you. Grab a pen and paper and jot down all the tasks that feel like work to you. This could be anything from your job duties, to housework, to hobbies that have started to feel more like chores. Just remember to stay chill and open-minded while you're making your list. Once you've got your list, it's time to set some boundaries. Maybe you can pass some tasks onto others, or set specific hours for work. Remember to take regular breaks too. Sharing the load not only lightens your burden, but it can also create job opportunities for others. And remember, be kind to yourself. Don't push too hard. Lastly, take a moment to appreciate your work. Think about why you're thankful for it. Maybe it gives you a sense of fulfillment, or provides a steady income, or offers chances for personal growth. Keeping a positive attitude towards work can help keep burnout at bay. In a nutshell, understanding what work means to you and setting boundaries around it is key to a healthy work-life balance and self-care. It lets you enjoy your work without letting it consume your life.
Continue reading with LeapAhead app
Full summary is waiting for you in the app
03Have a dedicated workspace and remember to take breaks
04Understand the tricky parts of your job and stick to what you enjoy
05Put your phone away to get more work done
06Stop comparing yourself to others and appreciate your own uniqueness
07Conclusion
About Marlee Grace
Marlee Grace is an author, dancer, and facilitator focused on the self, discovery, and movement. She runs a community space for artists and teaches improvisation workshops. Her work revolves around self-care, creativity, and the intersection of individuality and community.
