A New Kind of Balance
A frequent topic for most educators is the notion of balance between our work and personal lives. Within the context of the Importance of Doing Nothing, the kind of balance we are speaking of is maintaining the balance between doing and not doing. Choosing!
Instead of “strategic planning”, how about “strategic disengagement?” Also called a brain break, “How do we take time away from work so the brain can rejuvenate?” “How do we create what is called “white space” for our own mental and physical well-being while at work?”
When we move from one thing to another at blinding speed, we cannot be reflective practitioners. In fact, we are doing a disservice to our brain because it cannot work at maximum capacity. Our work as educators is complex and demanding, calling for us to find ways to intentionally disengage. So, let’s think about ways we can bring this balance into our work lives.
Balance Between Doing and Not Doing at Work
| Doing | Not Doing |
| Taking deep breaths | Moving from 1 task to another without a breath |
| Standing up or using a stand-up desk | Sitting for long periods of time without a brain change of state such as standing, walking, raising our arms over our head, etc. |
| Taking a walk | Taking advantage of opportunities to walk or go outside |
| Closing our door for 10-15 minutes | Scheduling events without any white space for planning, follow up, doing nothing |
| Doing Nothing – a true brain break! | Being available 24/7 |
| Add your idea | Add your idea |
| Add another idea | Add another idea |
