My name is Kelvin Scotts. I’m an American living in Chicago, but my heart calls the world my home. I love travelling, and I travel as much as possible.

But I want to travel more. More play, less work. Don’t get me wrong, I love my job and I don’t want or intend to quit to become a permanent nomad. I just wish I had a much better work-life balance.

It’s something I’ve thought about for years. And over the last year or so I’ve been doing less thinking and more doing. It’s mostly about achieving a better work-life balance. That’s tricky, and something that will vary from person to person. But it definitely is possible to do — for everyone.

work life balance

And that’s what this blog is dedicated to. Lowering the mundane, raising the adventure. I discuss places I’ve been that I think you’ll be interested in visiting as well, how to save money when travelling, and how to balance your travels with the other parts of your life. I’ll start off with a few tips on how to achieve a better work-life balance.

Finish work by 6 pm

Most days when I’m working from home I’m sat in front of my laptop at 8:30am and I won’t leave until around 9pm with an hour for lunch and an hour for dinner. That means I’m ‘working‘ for about 11 and a half hours each day which is just ridiculous when you think about it.

Lately I’ve made it a practice of finishing up by 6 pm, regardless of what’s going on. Laptop closes, business is done for the day.

Use your brain

Using your mind throughout the day will not only enhance cognitive function, but also will contribute to overall health and well-being. Engaging in mental exercises, problem-solving, and learning new skills can help keep your brain sharp and improve memory. These activities stimulate brain cells, strengthening neural connections and promoting long-term mental resilience. Incorporating mindful practices, such as meditation or deep breathing, helps reduce stress and improve focus, which is essential for achieving a healthy work-life balance. By giving your brain regular breaks and focusing on mentally enriching activities outside of work, you can maintain mental clarity, avoid burnout, and enhance overall productivity.

Bring nature and holistic health into your life

Introducing nature therapy, along with holistic and spiritual wellness, into your life can lead to profound improvements in your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Nature therapy, which involves immersing yourself in natural environments, has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve immune function by fostering a deep sense of relaxation and connection to the natural world. Spending time outdoors helps to ground your emotions, providing an escape from daily pressures and promoting a sense of calm. Holistic wellness focuses on balancing the body, mind, and spirit through practices like yoga, meditation, and mindful nutrition, helping to harmonize all aspects of your health.

By addressing the root causes of imbalance, holistic wellness strengthens your physical health while also nurturing emotional resilience and mental clarity. Spiritual wellness, whether through meditation, prayer, or other forms of reflection, encourages a deeper connection with yourself and the universe, fostering inner peace, purpose, and a sense of belonging. This spiritual grounding allows you to manage life’s challenges with greater emotional strength and mental stability. Together, these practices create a balanced, nurturing environment where your physical, emotional, and mental health can thrive, leading to a more centered, fulfilled, and harmonious life.

No 24 hour a day social media

When I say business is done for the day, I mean all social media too. I don’t think there’s much of a difference going from a chair to a sofa just to play on your phone and update social media. I know I for one stare at my phone way too much. This has become a mindset that more and more of us have fallen prey to in the last years, but it’s so much better being present, in the moment, than letting your mind wander. That means stop with the all day and all night Facebook and Twitter.

Get outdoors and get some exercise

It doesn’t have to be long, strenuous workouts. Just do something. And do it outdoors. Get some fresh air. Really move around. Even if it’s just a long stroll.

Start small and build off of that

I think it’d be unrealistic to think that all of a sudden I’m going to get a perfect work-life balance just from writing this post. I know it takes work, but I’ve got to be open to changes in my life knowing they’re for the better, knowing that it’s worth it in the long run. I’m not completely there yet, but I’ve made changes and the results are positive.

That’s just a small start. Please take a while to browse my blog to get ideas on how you too can improve your life by getting out there!

As a passionate traveler and an avid social media user, I’ve recently found myself drawn into the fascinating world of genealogy. This journey into my family’s past isn’t just about collecting names and dates; it’s about deepening my connection to the places I visit and the stories I share online. Each piece of my ancestry adds a layer of meaning to my travels, turning every destination into a personal exploration of both the world and my heritage.

Sharing these genealogical discoveries on social media has turned out to be incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about tracing my roots but also about inspiring others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery. This process has become a vital part of my personal growth. Understanding the traits and stories that have shaped my family over generations provides me with a clearer sense of who I am and where I belong. This exploration enhances my content, making each post a piece of a larger narrative that resonates with my followers and enriches my own journey toward self-improvement.