I used to think that if something wasn’t productive if it didn’t accomplish anything tangible.
So things like hiking, reading fiction books, playing board games? Waste of time.
I actually felt guilty whenever I would do those “unproductive” activities too often, as I felt I was falling behind in my professional work. And hurting my career as a result.
But as I was hiking in one of my favorite spots in Las Vegas recently, I had multiple new business ideas that popped in my head, even though I was purposely trying to NOT think about work.
And that led to me research these kinds of breaks, and I came to a counterintuitive conclusion: These “unproductive times” were actually making me more productive.
Let me share some of the things that I learned:
3 Big Benefits of Recharging Yourself (And One Thing to Avoid)
-More Creativity
I’ll be honest: I’m not a naturally creative person. It’s just hard for me to do something totally unique and new. So I need all the help I can get when it comes to creativity.
Which is why it came as good news that “Taking breaks refreshes the mind, replenishes your mental resources, and helps you become more creative.”
-Makes You A Happier Person
Not only will your professional life be better off, but so will your personal life. Studies have shown that people who have a better balance between their work and their personal life are more likely to be happier at home and at work.
On top of that, the happier someone is, the more productive they are. Which leads us to our next point.
-More Productivity When You Return To Work
When you do get back to work, since you’ve wisely taken breaks from it, you’ll have more energy and will be more efficient. And you know what that means? You won’t have to work as long to get the same amount of work done.
So you’ll get more done in less time. Sounds like a win to me.
-What to avoid? Too Much TV
You might feel like your nightly Netflix binge is a good source of relaxation. That it’s a low key way to wind down your brain at the end of the day.
But here’s the problem: TV doesn’t help you relax nearly as well as other sources of relaxing (like walking, reading a book, listening to music).
Studies show that after watching TV, your mood stays the same as before or even gets worse. With the other types of relaxation, you are more likely to be in a better mood than before.
Supercharing Your Professional Career and Personal Life
I hope you’ve come around, like I have, to the idea that breaks can actually help you be a healthier and more productive person. And that you won’t feel any more guilt for doing something that doesn’t have a tangible result.
What are you doing to recharge yourself? To give yourself that mental break in the middle of a long work week? I love hearing from other professionals who are trying to make the most of their career and their life. Send me an email and let me know what you’re doing to take care of yourself at scott@dev-forthrightfinances.pantheonsite.io.