Toffler's Stability Zones

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What's your "stability zone"?

How many times have you had "one of those days"?

You know, when it seems as if everything in your life changed overnight? There are new initiatives at work, a new set of procedures to learn, new colleagues to get to know, a new office location to become familiar with. It just goes on!

At the end of one of those days, it's a huge relief to get home! You walk in the door, and suddenly the stress disappears. You're surrounded by the people you love, by all the comforts of your familiar things. Home is your safe place, and when you're there, the stress of work is far away.

The challenges that arise from change are common. Every time we turn around, it seems like technology has changed – and many people feel pressured to keep up with this fast pace. Do you carry your phone everywhere and take working vacations? Instead of relaxing at night, do you use your laptop to catch up even more?

If this sounds like you, you may feel burned out, overworked and overwhelmed. The good news is that you can create personal "Stability Zones" to help you manage the change in your life. Familiar places – like home or a favorite coffee shop – can become much-needed escapes to let your mind and body re-energize.

Alvin Toffler first presented the concept of personal Stability Zones in his 1970 book, "Future Shock." Although the theory was never accepted academically, it's still interesting and relevant to what many of us face today.

Toffler's Stability Zones

Toffler's concept is fairly simple. Stability Zones are places or things that make you feel safe, relaxed and secure. Think of them as buffers – types of protection or defense – against the outside world. When you're in or with your Stability Zone, you feel safe. It's something safe and familiar, something that doesn't change.

And they're not limited to specific places. They can be things, people, objects, or even ideas:...