REFLECTION: If you had some time off over the summer, chances are you returned to the workplace feeling a bit more relaxed and at ease. If the work that piled up in your absence hasn’t kicked the stuffing out of your mellow, you may be wondering how you can hang on to a bit more of that zen-like calm as the fall revs up.

Could be that the person working next to you or just down the hall shares the very same concern. Here’s where it make sense to team up to calm down. Signs of overload are often visible to those around us, even when they’ve not yet surfaced in our own awareness. See the Resource of The Week for a link to an article that will refresh you on what to watch for.

ACTION: Try connecting with a workplace partner. Make a pact to be each others’ conscience – each others’ eyes and ears. Be the one who stays tuned to the other person’s state of mind and watches out for early signs of overload.

Be prepared to tap your balance buddy on the shoulder, hold a mirror, share a laugh, suggest a walk, a chat, a coffee – whatever might be needed to reclaim that even keel. There’s nothing like a friend at work – someone who actively has your best interests at heart – to ease the load.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” – Leo Buscaglia

RESOURCE OF THE WEEK: Check out this link to a new article: Overload Cues & Triggers For Action.

READERS WRITE: In response to last week’s message, Making A Living Or Making A Life, Pause reader YD writes: “Thanks for this lovely Pause message, Pat. It was a very good reminder about my ambition exceeding my time and energy. I was feeling rather defeated until I read this. In fact, I have saved it to a document that I plan on printing and referring to. Thank YOU!!!!