A little rest goes a long way and that is why it’s important for me to take it seriously everyday after work.
Being productive has become the norm of the times we live in , which is not a problem in the least. However it only becomes a problem when you push your body and mind to the point where it cannot function at its best because of exhaustion. Now when that happens, it takes a lot longer to recover to your best efficient state than it would to just take a few hours at the end of the day to rejuvenate. We all have those days when we have looming deadlines, pressure to deliver in record time… etc. There are ways we can manage our time so that those days do not become everyday. I have been on that end and calling it a real-life nightmare is an understatement.
Daily Rest
Daily rest works wonders in the long term. Achieving daily rest can be difficult if you don’t plan your time well enough. Sometimes circumstances are beyond our control, but when they are, it’s best to consider time management throughout your work day and include some hours of rest at the end.
If you don’t play your time, the world will do it for you
Unwinding after work
I try to log off work at 6pm on most days. Not only is my brain mush at that point, but I can barely focus my attention on one thing for 2 minutes straight. Whenever I notice myself zoning out frequently while working on something, I take that as my cue to take a long break. It doesn’t do myself or my team any good when I’m not at my best.
Some things I do after a day’s work to stay rejuvenated.
Stretch
This is a pretty good way to get rid of the day’s stresses. Make some room and stretch for at least ten minutes!
Go for a walk
What better way to end the day than to get some air, clear your thoughts and stretch your legs.
Exercise
This is my go-to. An hour or so of exercise in the evening always makes me feel like I have ended the day on a good note and many times I’ll get a good night’s sleep because of it.
Read something
A book, a comic, or whatever. Just try not to be on a screen for a while. Put your phone, laptop and or tablet away. Give those eyes a rest.
Lie down
Sometimes all you need to do is nothing. Wear something comfy and lay on your couch, bed or even floor and let your thoughts float away into the abyss.
Watch something light
I know I said put your screens away, but honestly some light watching is relaxing for the mind. My go to shows are short episodes of Scooby Doo, or relaxing vlogs.
Short breaks in your day
A few minutes of stretching or hydrating after every hour you’re sat or hard at work will help keep you active and reduce lethargy. 10-15 work for me quite nicely and of course an hour at lunch time. I try not to thing about anything consuming during these few minutes. However short, they are very significant. If this is a bit difficult for you, then take an hour of your lunch work free.
Remember the human brain and body was not created to work 24 hours a day 7 days a week. It needs enough time to recover so that it can continue serving you at its best.
I’d love to know how you unwind after work and little things you do to rest.
