We’ve been communicating for quite some time, so I know you remember my stance on indulgences. I stress the importance of eating and training with a purpose, but I also generally value releasing nutrition inhibitions from time to time.
The same can and should be said for work.
I, like many of you, can wake up with thoughts of work, spend the day productively grinding and hit the pillow with thoughts of both the past day’s events and tomorrow’s labor related happenstances. Our minds literally never stop and recover. This can be problematic. From Forbes:
Truth is, most of us need an occasional break. The American Psychological Association has found that three-fourths of Americans have experienced physical symptoms resulting from stress—from headaches to more severe chronic illnesses—and most people list work as a top source of stress.
I don’t believe a “mental health day” is the only way to manage work related stress and fatigue. I do think awareness is immeasurably important. Prioritizing recovery time, much in the same vein as we do with weight training, can actually increase productivity and make us better at our jobs.
Time for me to raise my hand. I’m a workaholic. Work productivity is rewarding to me; I seek it out for that reason. Recently, however, I’ve made a conscious effort to get in the ocean and swim for a bit as a break. I’m lucky enough to be able to take 90 minutes or so in the middle of the day to walk down to the beach. This is rebuilding time for me. When I arrive back to my computer, I feel invigorated and capable of producing better content. My walk and swim classify as exercise, of course. From the Globe and Mail:
Four new studies presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Vancouver confirm that exercise helps to prevent low mental function that’s caused by stress and aging. Schedule at least three workouts – cardio or weight lifting – every week for three weeks. The productivity and energy that exercise brings far outweighs the loss of a half hour from your day.
Most people don’t have the luxury of an ocean swim, of course. Look, indulgences don’t have to be unhealthy, but they don’t have to be exercise related, either. Whatever your break activity of choice is, carve out time daily to step away from your grind. If it’s 30 minutes of The League, so be it. The idea is to stop the mind repetitions.
If you regularly peruse this blog, chances are you’re relatively driven anyhow. It’s just as likely you need the reminder to take your foot off the gas as you do to stomp on it.
Either way, I’m here. Talk to you tomorrow.
Kap
I’m a psychology student. It’s amazing how too much of one thing is so damaging to the body. Think of all the stupid mistakes managers/coaches make when you watch sports on TV. I feel pretty confident in saying part of the reason is lack of sleep and job related stress.
Pretty fair take, Matt.
I’m a lot like you. I have to remind myself to take a break. I take a mid morning walk everyday at work. Sometimes though my mind is still at my desk. Even during a great workout my mind can still be crunching a problem. I always make sure to go to yoga once a week. Somehow I’m able to make my mind stop during sun salutations, I tell my friends I’m going to “yoga church”.
I was listening to NPR (once you hit some indefinable age, I swear you start saying the previous statement a lot) about how people forget to be in the moment and relax. Even on vacation. Apparently if you’re too focused on snapping great pictures you don’t remember as much as if you were there savouring the experience.
Great post today!
Love the NPR line. So true.
Work is a hard show to stop watching in your mind, especially when it’s all you do. I am a recovering workaholic. It ruined many relationships in my life that were more important than I realized, looking back at it. And for what? More money to make, so you can buy more junk that is going to cause you more grief and work, that’s what! It’s ironic now that I don’t let work magnetize me any more, people who are workaholics wonder what happened to me and tell me how much I’ve changed. You are who you kick it with!
Not having a routine is my routine. It’s both a blessing and a curse. I admire the dedication and drive some people have to be the best at their chosen profession/hobby. I’ve never been able to focus on anything that long to be the best. I judge myself against myself, and when I am content with whatever my muse is at that time, it’s over. Variety is the spice of life for me!
Working out and exercising, along with a high quality diet is the key to sound sleep and sound mind. When you learn to listen to your body, it’ll guide you in the proper direction. Thanks for all your inspiring ideas, Kap.
Cheers,
~Al~
Great comment. I am/was very much the same way. I find the saying “Jack of all trades, master of none” to be pretty fitting. I used to really get frustrated that I wasn’t the best at everything that I did, whether that be work, sports, guitar, etc. Recently I have come to realize that I don’t have to be the best at whatever I’m doing in order to feel accomplished or happy with myself. I can now just enjoy the experience and be happy with what I’m doing rather than comparing myself to those around me.
Sounds like you are becoming a master of your own happiness? That is quite the feat in itself.
Al, I’m not trying to insult you, but your words sound like me….
Either great minds think alike… or one of us is going to have to reevaluate our vocabulary, Ed.
This whole thread made me happy. Nice work, all of you.
Thanks Kap. Making a move back to the beach next month for that very reason. Nothing like the ocean to bring peace of mind. Can’t wait!
Dig, Janinne. Thanks.
Completely agree with your analysis. I practice hot yoga every morning before work- a good 60 minutes. I come to work refreshed and alive! Productivity increased huge as a result. Feels wicked 🙂
First ‘wicked’ drop at this blog. Love it.
I’ve said before that I come here for the pictures… you did not let us down today. 🙂 Thank you for sharing.
Love that one, too. Appreciate it.
Watching documentary called “Happy” (2011) right now. You, and most of your readers, would really like it. Seeing a lot of your thinking in the people they profile. I’m not expecting that any of these people who have found their happiness in life will attribute it to a job-addiction.
Saw that doc, Gavin. Enjoyed it.
Great post .need them brakes to stay mentally sharp.
Indeed. Darby. See you tomorrow.
I too shall raise my hand because I am a work-a-holic. From the time I get up at 5 till I go to sleep, my mind is racing with thoughts. I am highly driven. I love being productive and I am someone who loves checking things off my to do list because it is challenging balancing both of my jobs most days.
I wish I lived closer to the Ocean so that I could swim more and sit in the sand and do nothing but sit there. My father said water helps me turn my mind off and he was correct. Instead I take long bubble baths when I need a mental break. Love it!
-Kelebek
Excellent.
There are days I need a mental break from taking breaks. So I work more
I envy you.
Well said Kap. I am actually on day four of my week long break from working out. I usually take a week off once or twice a year. Just want to give the body and mind a breather from the gym! Come Monday, its back to the grind!
I’m overworked and overstressed.
I know this, yet I haven’t been able to make the proper changes.
Just talking aloud here.