Stacy Stanley Young
- Nov 9, 2021
- 2 min read

Not The Jock!

Updated: Mar 27, 2023

Photo credit: Brett Bourne

I recently did an exercise where I asked people to describe me. It was a great boost for the ego!

I heard words like kind, generous, reliable, funny, and nerdy. However, nobody used the word “athlete” or “jock,” and for good reason - because I am neither of those.

I am NOT an athlete!

If you were to ask me what I did last night, the answer would likely be spin class, yogalates, or aquafit.

That’s pretty athletic for someone who is not an athlete, no?

That’s true. But I have a friend who doesn't accept my BS excuses for not going. The phrase "shut up, I am picking you up in 15 minutes,” has been used more than once. It’s important to surround yourself with people who help you get out of your own way - nobody does everything by themselves!

I may grumble as I go out the door but I never regret going. I am the slowest in spin class and the least bendy in yogalates. And, in aquafit, sometimes I just float the time away.

But I am there!

I am doing something different than my job, and something that helps balance out the work-life equation.

Why do I do it?

One:

It's good for my body to move, especially since I have a job where I sit a great deal of the time.

Two:

It's good for me to get away from the desk every now and then, and for something that helps me perform better when I get back to work.

Three:

My children tell me I am less grumpy. Although I would have told you that I was not grumpy in the first place.

I mean, harumph!

When you work from home, it’s too easy to get stuck in work mode - especially if your office is also your kitchen table. Even if you can't separate your work and home spaces, take the time to separate your mental space between work and home.

Just do something. You don't have to commit to it forever - just try it, once.

That way, if you like it - or if you have a stubborn friend like me - you can do it again. Or you can try something else. Find a way to create that work-life balance, one step at a time, one day at a time.

Things you can do for yourself:

Get moving!