Time to Heal and Time to Recharge
Small businesses demand a lot. Even if you are good at delegating and lucky enough to have enough resources to delegate to, chances are you work way more than 9 to 5 (which I honestly don't believe exists anymore).
And if you aren't already feeling it, you will reach a point of diminishing returns when everything just takes longer and/or is harder. Or you'll make stupid mistakes that are just not like you at all.
This is your body telling you it's time to rest and recharge.
You may not need 8 hours of sleep to feel your best, but if you're getting less than whatever your optimal level is—and aren't recharging on the weekends—you're going to hit your limit.
If you're getting sick more often, that limit is around the corner. And until someone figures out how to outsource rest and healing, you have to do it for yourself.
Think of it this way: you can either choose to rest at a time that will have the least negative impact on your business, or push yourself until your body shuts down and you have no choice. And if you wait for the latter, chances are it will be the worst possible time for you to take that unavoidable break—and the recovery will be longer too.
If you're not one to sleep in on the weekends, there are other ways to recharge. A great book on this topic is Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang.
After reading this book about two years ago, I took a free improv class at The Magnet Theater, fell in love, and have not looked back. I have since completed two improv theater programs, started my own indie dramatic improv group, am in a 2prov team, and still take and enjoy classes. Improv recharges me, even after the most grueling day.
Takeaway: Resting and recharging are not optional, so find something that gives back more than it takes.
And if you aren't already feeling it, you will reach a point of diminishing returns when everything just takes longer and/or is harder. Or you'll make stupid mistakes that are just not like you at all.
This is your body telling you it's time to rest and recharge.
You may not need 8 hours of sleep to feel your best, but if you're getting less than whatever your optimal level is—and aren't recharging on the weekends—you're going to hit your limit.
If you're getting sick more often, that limit is around the corner. And until someone figures out how to outsource rest and healing, you have to do it for yourself.
Think of it this way: you can either choose to rest at a time that will have the least negative impact on your business, or push yourself until your body shuts down and you have no choice. And if you wait for the latter, chances are it will be the worst possible time for you to take that unavoidable break—and the recovery will be longer too.
If you're not one to sleep in on the weekends, there are other ways to recharge. A great book on this topic is Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang.
After reading this book about two years ago, I took a free improv class at The Magnet Theater, fell in love, and have not looked back. I have since completed two improv theater programs, started my own indie dramatic improv group, am in a 2prov team, and still take and enjoy classes. Improv recharges me, even after the most grueling day.
Takeaway: Resting and recharging are not optional, so find something that gives back more than it takes.
This is so well-stated, true and comes at a time we all need to be reminded to take care of ourselves or risk burning out. I love that you mention The Magnet improv training and how it has benefited your well-being. I am interested in the other resources you link to here. Thank you for this!
ReplyDeleteJude, sorry I didn't see this comment earlier. I'm glad you enjoyed it and glad my links helped.
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