Balancing fun and work during the dog days of summer

Balancing fun and work during the dog days of summerBalancing fun and work during the dog days of summerAs we inch ever closer to Labor Day, there seems to be a slow-burn panic to have as much fun as possible while we totenstill can. But is there a way to enjoy yourself while still being productive? Most emphatically yesLadders asked communications professional Greta Vanhersecke - whose entire career is based on other people enjoying themselves for her best advice on finding the balance between work and fun.As the founder of GV Public Relations, Vanhersecke admits that while her job can be fun being a travel and hospitality publicist is a 24/7 kind of career and lifestyle. Clients like hotels, resorts, airlines, and cruise lines are always open and running, so the expectation is that you are as well.Wait, so that sounds like Vanherseckes job skews more to work than fun, though she says thats not the case While I always remain professional, I find ways to enjoy the job where and when I can. This could be by extending a work trip to go sightseeing or visit friends who live in the area, treating myself to a spa massage after work hours, or taking a moment to appreciate the amazing meals I get to experience while visiting my clients.Vanhersecke offered some tips on balancing work and funAlways have a plan and stay organizedPay close attention to when you are needed to work and when you can take time for yourself. Dont zone out in a meeting and dont leave early or come in late. Check your schedule and mark off time for goofing off as long as youve already met your deadlinesBe off with youWhen youve officially taken time off Vanhersecke advises trying to truly unplug from work calls and emails, so you can really experience the moment and recharge. This will help you mentally, physically and emotionally and will ultimately make you better at your job.Explain yourselfNot all careers balance fabulous travel and decadent meals, but its still important to make your boss or clients realize that youre still working hard and meeting your work requirements. Vanherseckes clients are all in the travel and hospitality industry, so they understand what this lifestyle entails and have never second-guessed the quality of my work or my work ethic. She explains that her clients see me responding to emails at 11 pm at night or 6 am in the morning, or even on the weekends. Theres never a misconception that if shes out late the night before shes in any way neglecting her duties.Do what you loveIf you feel that you need to have more fun or pleasure in life, consider a career that celebrates, understands and rewards those ideals. Vanhersecke explains that her clients are in this industry for the same reason that I am because of their love of and passion for travel and hospitality. Just like me, they are posting photos of themselves enjoying the perks of traveling for work or experiencing a great meal.- - - Define funIf you would like to infuse your average da y with a bit more fun, it helps to be extremely organized. Vanhersecke says its crucial to decide first what fun means to you and then schedule it into your week, so the time doesnt get away from you. She suggests you ask yourself a few questions and find your own definition of fun and then pursue it. Do you enjoy working out? Being social with friends? Spending more time with your partner? If you want to stay healthy, schedule in some time each morning for a fitness class. If you want to be more social with friends, make sure you complete your work before theyre done with their workday and make solid plans each week that you cant cancel on. If you want more quality time with your partner, work more hours Monday through Thursday, so you can enjoy a three-day weekend together.It may sound counterintuitive to have to schedule in fun, but Vanhersecke says its important to make that commitment to yourself and it gives you something to look forward to.Fun helps you work betterDont feel g uilty about finding joy in the every day. Vanhersecke believes finding fun moments helps you to avoid burnout. Fun and play are so essential in making you a happier, more balanced person and I truly believe that taking vacations, getting good sleep, working out and spending time with loved ones recharges you so that you can give 100% when you do work.Now go have some fun