Exercise
Why does culture not encourage power naps during the work day to relieve stress?
Exercise is such a great idea! I have had 2 previous jobs where, mid morning or just before we open (see customers) we would get everyone together and just do some simple exercises to clear our heads, and get the blood flowing. I found that although we used about 10 minutes, it made me more productive once I went back to work, and gave me a more healthy and positive outlook on the day.
Jimmy, It's wonderful that you can find the time for these breaks, and of course they are a healthy outlet. Yes, getting outside just to change your scenery can make a tremendous difference!
Dr. Melissa Read
I work 12 hour days and have to commute about two hours each day. I find that what really helps keep my productivity up is taking short 15 minute breaks every two hours or so and just walk around the building, go outside, get a change of scenery and just stop staring at a screen!
Henry, Yes, pressing the reset button in life is a wonderful thing. We don't always get to do this, but taking a break can truly make us better in the end.
Dr. Melissa Read
I totally agree with this posting that "resetting" one's condition can help a great deal in being productive. Long hours of work can affect one's decision making. By "resetting" we are refreshed again to do our work at the best levels.
It is truly sad that instructors are not able to take all vacation time, exercise and/or take naps. It shouldn't be seen as a sign of weakness to be able to just have a little downtime to help increase our productivity. There should be somewhere in the policies and procedures at the workplace that there is designated time built in just to rest and rejuvenate the mind.
Kelly, Great question. The truth is either could work. It's all about knowing what kind of person you are and which methods work best for you. Sometimes the answer also depends on timing. Both methods could work for the same person at one time or another.
Dr. Melissa Read
Instead of a power nap how about a power walk?
Usually I end up taking a nap for an hour, just to reset. Teaching is very mentally and physically draining at times, and sometimes I need that reset button pushed, or I won't be very productive in anything I do. I would also do this even if I was working on a freelance at home, if I'm feeling tired, I'll step away if I can, reset, and go back to work feeling refreshed.
Ticha, I like your thinking. For many of us though, naps during the day simply aren't possible. Exercise however can be a little easier. Simple choosing to take the stairs at work as compared to the elevator each time you head to class can make a big difference in our physical activity over the course of a day.
Dr. Melissa Read
I believe that naps during the day make a person more productive. It rests your body and clears your mind. I am also a strong believer that exercise is a must!
Michael, So true! We've got to think of the breaks we take as investment time. There may be a slight delay of productivity on the front end, but it pays off in dividends in the end!
Dr. Melissa Read
I believe instead of naps if you walk in between classes and stay hydrated you can stay fresh and stress free through out the day.
I beleive our culture discourages any action that would appear to be loss of productive time. We rarely take all our vacation time let alone exercise and/or take naps. I beleive this is seen as a sign of weakness rather than an event that ultimatley would increase focus and therefore productivity.
I agree !!! They give children nap time when in reality, it is the adults that need it !!
It is a shame that our culture would probably look at time allotted for naps as a loss of productivity, when in reality this would probably create a situation that would actually make people more productive, and less stressed!
Raymond, I think that is a great question. I should note that there are some cultures that do encourage such things. Some latin american cultures for example encourage siestas during the day.
Dr. Melissa Read
