Allowing for Free time
just as managing tasks effectively is important it is also important to allow for relaxation and sleep as this may be one of the most frequent reasons why people stress at work.
As a program director and instructor I also find myself struggling with this. Students seem to always need some help of some kind. My team also needs questions and classroom issues dealt with. I find that in order to be productive and manage our time we must take 10 or 15 minutes to ourselves to free our minds. It helps with the stress level and enables us to be able to power down.
This is something that I feel all people struggle with. As a mother, I often feel selfish or guilty if I schedule relaxation time for myself. I should not feel this way, as this gives me the opportunity to recharge my batteries and truly be there for all who need me.
CoCintheane, A cruise in the middle of winter sounds like a wonderful idea! What a great break from work as well as the weather. It's nice to have a planned vacation to look forward to. When we know a break is near, it's easier for us to manage through the difficult times.
Dr. Melissa Read
I think it is great to schedule vacations or relaxation time. We have been paying on our JAN 3-10 cruise and I am so very happy for it, for sure. It gives me something to look forward to and makes all of my work more fun and worthwhile!!
Yes, we used to say that you must allow for DOWN TIME or fall down. I have had friends that are IMMEDIANCY / WORK AHOLICS, so to speak, and simply just dropped dead, literally, upon retiring. Their hearts could not take just stopping and not doing and trying to do some tasks and controlling of some person's life. It has been horrible to see. Alas, it has taught me the true value of vacations, especially cruises which force you to relax because you are not near a home phone, newspaper, or a lot of what you are used to doing at home - so you have to chill, so to speak!!! Let me tell you, I had one friend who did all soon as the boss told him and became a WONDERFUL supervisor on his job!! He was a real task master manager and never took vacations. He was the type of person who always said "WHEN I RETIRE....." HE JUST REALLY ONLY WANTED TO WORK. HE TURNED 62, RETIRED like SEPT 6 AND WAS DEAD ON SEPT 23 - did not get '1' retirement pension and Social Security check at all = that was a shame, sin, and disgrace to all of his hard work. He started working early in life, about age 7, helping in the fields, mowing lawns and cleaning for folks, and then DEAD at 62. . . . U must strike a GOOD balance at home and work and church, with family, job, and friends to really LIVE!!! I always tell this to my students!!!!
I will have to agree with you, I have a family and two jobs- one as a teacher, and I need to go to bed early but I tend to procrastinate about sleep! I always wake up in the morning saying, "I should have gone to bed earlier" This lesson is an important one for me. By me going to bed earlier I will be a better role model for my students in the morning.
Amy, I call it "decompressing" but it sounds like we are talking about the same thing. There are so many great ways to unwind and power down per your words. I'd love to hear about what works for you.
Dr. Melissa Read
I call it powering-down. Just like people drink coffee or jump around to get going... I do the reverse when I feel myself feeling too overly excited or stressed out. I just sit quietly, regroup, and power-down. It is helpful.
Sandy, I know sleep schedules can be tough with babies and toddlers. I might recommend a walk with the stroller. It can be relaxing for baby and mom too.
Dr. Melissa Read
James, Absolutely. Sleep is an essential for both mental and physical health. Taking the time to get to bed early or nap during the day can make a huge difference on your productivity.
Dr. Melissa Read
Raina, Running is a wonderful outlet! As the summer months are upon us, running can be a challenge due to the heat. I find that early mornings are often the best time to get our there. A morning run can be a great way to start your day.
Dr. Melissa Read
Mary, Yes, sometimes relaxation tasks only happen if we schedule for them. At first it may seem overwhelming to have to add these tasks to your list too. But the truth is, if they don't get added to the list, they often don't happen.
Dr. Melissa Read
I find the best way for me to decompose is to run. I have found that this is my biggest stress releaver.
I have had to force myself lately to take some "free time" when I'm at home. With a 1 year old, it is not easy. I try to get as much done that I can with him while he's awake so that I can just sit for a minute and do nothing while he's napping or down for the night.
I agree,when you can not relax or get enough sleep your body becomes tense and your mind becomes foggy,which can cause negative reactions in your decision making.
