Learn why it is necessary to have some amount of time when you do not work at all. Discover how rest and relaxation can promote the concept of happiness and health in the long run.
Today’s people are busier than ever before, and this has led to many changes in society. Between work and family and other obligations, as well as other activities that happen in the day and the many things that have to be done, people appear to be overwhelmed with numerous activities.
We go from one responsibility to the next doing things, crossing off to-do’s without sometimes just being. But it is important to note that it is equally as important to ensure that we have some of our busy schedules free, however busy we are.
What is Downtime?
Hustle is the sum of the time that one does not spend working, doing chores, attending to other people’s needs, or running errands. Leisure could be to relax, do some hobby, take a stroll, play with kids, talk with friends, or even do nothing at all.
The critical point is that the downtime activities are initiated and people are willing to engage their time in these certain ways. They reborn human’s brain, human’s body, and human’s soul.
The Benefits of Downtime
Getting adequate downtime offers many science-backed benefits:
- Stress and burnout are minimised when an employee is allowed to take breaks and have time off from work. A rest break is important in order to give our brains and muscles a break from such activities so that they do not get too tired.
- Boosts creativity. This means that even when we are not ‘working’ or ‘engaged’ in our work, the sub-conscious is at liberty to make connections that may lead to such a moment of inspiration or ideas after work.
- It is suggested for increasing mental keenness and to be able to concentrate more. Sometimes it is good to relax a little so that when one has to work, he or she does it effectively.
- Strengthens relationships. Taking time to spend with our loved ones helps in developing rapport and enhancing the relationships that are already existing.
- Improves physical, mental, and spiritual well-being and also the longevity of the human body. Leisure activities as well as social interactions enhance the physical health of an individual.
- Increases life satisfaction. If a person usually attempts to have some free time in most parts of the daily timetable, he or she will develop better life satisfaction rates.
Despite being aware of these benefits, many of us fail to schedule down time and then marshal a good defense when it comes to protecting that time. Why is this? And the most crucial question is: How do we learn to be better in the break times utilization?
Overcoming Barriers to Downtime
To some of the people who were raised to earn and achieve, being idle is a sin or it is pointless as they have been trained to work. The following are some of the reasons as to why our society prizes busyness:
Just try to think about how people brag about their schedules, saying things like ‘I am so busy! I am crazy busy!’ This does not allow much time for fun. Some of us have never witnessed our families or communities take part in healthy leisure time activities.
The fact remains that leisure is required; leisure is not a luxury. If one does not give time for rest, he or she cannot work efficiently or help others in need.
Another weakness is that, due to the increased modern technology, it is very difficult to differentiate between working time and other time. Work emails chime on laptops at 10, 11, and midnight, and the internet is always available, so one cannot really log out.
It is essential to have a demarcation between the working and personal lives to reduce work technology encroachment during leisure. We should also pray for some of the time that we are not so much involved with the screens.
Related: The impact of social workers on client wellness
Advice on How to Incorporate More Break Time
Learn the value of leisure time in having a happy life. Find out how one can benefit from relaxation when it comes to the state of mind and emotions.
#1. Track your time.
Try and note down the time you spend on your tasks for one week. See how much time is spent in idle time compared to the time that is spent in productive work. Set a target on the proportion of work time to leisure time, for example, 6:4.
#2. Schedule downtime.
Indeed, block your calendar and earmark some period of time for sleeping and other leisure activities. After that, you should protect this time as you would protect an important business meeting.
#3. Take mini-breaks.
Even if you can spare only five minutes of your time here and there, it can assist with rejuvenation of your energy and focus.
#4. Set work hour limits.
One has to avoid the tendency of taking work home, working extra hours, or even at weekends where it is unnecessary.
#5. Take regular vacations.
Ensure that you exhaust your paid time off allowances so that you can ensure that you get enough time to rest.
#6. Foster meaningful offline hobbies.
From gardening through carving and painting, the creative pastimes are rewarding.
#7. Single-task during downtime.
It is important not to keep on watching TV as you continue to type emails. I believe the more relaxed you can be, the better.
#8. Model good habits.
If you have kids, show them that leisure together with work is very important for the body.
Related: How To Live a Balanced Life
The next time that you are faced with such a list of commitments that constitute your time, then you should schedule in rest. Protect this time to only think, relax, and do things that you love to do without any interruption.
While it is not easy to tell ourselves that it is okay to take a break and stepping out of work for some time may be somewhat painful, the positive impact it has on the performance, morale, and passion to work makes it all worth it.
For more tips and information about health, fitness, and happiness, visit FitNEWS.co.uk.
