It's coming up to the weekend, and I'm looking forward to turning off the computer for a day and doing absolutely nothing work related.
Before I started blogging, I found it easy to switch off the computer for a day or longer, but now with the excitement of being able to interact with people who drop by to make comments, the frustration of having to check in regularly to get rid of comments by pill pushers and people who want me to look at naked videos of Britney Spears (like we haven't seen it all before) and the added charm of checking my statistics to see who has been visiting and where they came from, I admit to finding it harder to turn the computer off. So, I decided it was time to remind myself of some of my own advice - the importance of guilt free leisure days.
Guilt free leisure days are days where you free yourself of all your obligations. You turn off your phone, your computer and the nagging voice that says you need to be productive and efficient; stop thinking about work, study, housework or any of the things you "should" be doing and instead focus on relaxing and having fun.
People who take guilt free leisure days, find that they come back to their work refreshed and with renewed energy. A real estate agent friend started taking extended holidays trekking in places like Vietnam and Mongolia, and swears that her income (which is 100% commission based) has gone up in direct proportion to the increased time she is taking off. What better incentive can there be for taking time off?
So how do you have a guilt free leisure day?
1. Change your mindset
Recognise that doing nothing is good for you and refuse to allow yourself to feel guilty for taking "me" time. Also, know that most things can wait and there are very few things that are so urgent that you can't put them aside for a day to recharge your batteries
2. No work - and that includes thinking about work
Don’t use your guilt free leisure day for working, catching up on business or work-related reading, tidying your desk, networking, or anything remotely work-oriented. Leave your laptop, pager, blackberry and mobile phone at the office. This is particularly important for people who work from home. I know how tempting it can be when you are at home to check the fax or email, but train yourself to shut the door and ignore anything work related for the entire twenty-hour hours (or longer). A leisure day is exactly that and it is vital to your mental and physical health.
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Friday, November 02, 2007
Everyone needs Guilt Free Leisure Days
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4 comments:
I really struggle with that. If I’m not working I’m thinking about working! Will give it a go LOL
Talia:
Right on target! We really need to condition ourselves to focus on the "guilt-free" part! We are constantly being made to feel by media that we have to always be doing something productive.
But you can't produce good work product if the well is dry. Recharging by taking some time off is critical.
Nancy
hey talia:
I totally understand what it's like not to be able to get away from the computer and work. I really like to do basic things like going for walks, hiking, movies...just something that will allow me to get out of the house or office and leave my laptop unplugged. Though, I must say I'm a little guilty of jumping on and checking my myspace and my DailyStrength page. It's cool to talk to people and get comments from individuals with the same issues/problems as you.
Upon reading your blog. I went on the DS page and joined the Stress Management community. I know you are a busy woman, but you might want to check it out and spread the love and your story! It's at...
http://dailystrength.org/support/Mental_Health_Addiction/Stress_Management/
Oh, btw..I made sure to vote for your page in the polls.
Good luck with everything!
Warm Regards-
Chantal P.
Thanks for your vote Chantal
Kate keep working at it. With practice you'll be able to make the mental and physical break from work
Nancy, yep it's hard to stay sane if you're always thinking about what needs to be one instead of enjoying the moment (ugh that sounds so cliched)
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Talia, Kim & Nancy.