I took a short vacation up North with my sister, and slowing down definitely helped me notice how fast  I’m used to going.  As we hiked around lush forest and wide open water, I realized that I’m on the right track with what I’m doing with my life.  I already knew that, but it means more to think that when I’m not in the thick of it.  We decided we definitely have to make hiking more of a priority during future vacations.

I also feel like I have a lot more to give when I go back to work tomorrow.  Being relaxed and happy helps me be a better coworker and program staffer no question.  Ah, the elusive work-life balance, I think for at least today, I found you.

The question is, once you take your break, reset your pace, and find your balance, what do you do to keep it?  Marci Alboher from the NY Times has some suggestions – what are yours?