I haven’t written anything in a while. I’ve been busy recovering from jet-lag, food poisoning and a bad back sprain (why is it that bad things come in three?)

A result of my new found hypochondria is that I’ve fallen behind in some of the work I’ve been meaning to get through the past few weeks. Not severely, but bad enough for me to feel a little under pressure today.

About half way through the day I got to the point were I had had enough of writing about Industrial Relations in the Czech Republic and decided I needed a break.

I grabbed a book, headed to the nearest Starbucks and read, not for long, maybe half an hour or so. But it was what I needed. Sitting there, reading my book, drinking my coffee, I was able to take a moment and just enjoy what I was doing. I forgot about my impending assignments and found joy in such a simple thing. I took a deep breath, smiled and a weight lifted off my shoulders.

I was able to go back to work feeling refreshed and ready to go for another couple of hours.

No matter how busy your day is, take a minute to find joy in the simple things. A book, a song, the sun, a nice bit of scenery. Whatever it is that makes you smile. You’ll feel better for it all do and no doubt be more productive in whatever it is you are doing.