Did he really just say that? Well, yes I did. I realize that it might seem odd to put references to productivity and taking time off in the same title. However, if you want yourself to remain sharp and focused, you are well advised to consider doing this. Have you ever found that you do much more work the few days before a holiday? Have you found that you solve big problems more easily when you are in relaxed state away from the office? It’s very likely that you have disconnected from work and have more energy and engagement when back at work. But you say “I can’t take a vacation, I have too much to do; I’m stressed”. Well, these are exactly why you should be building in some time off. For more information about your own stress management, please see our book (I Can’t Take It Anymore: How to Manage Stress so It Doesn’t Manage You; Paul G. Longobardi, Ph.D., and Janice B. Longobardi, R.N., B.S.N., P.H.N.), available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/1542458056. For information about the book, authors, and stress management, please visit our website at www.manageyourhealthandstress.com. For now, here are four main reasons why not taking time off will cost thousands to your organization in lost productivity by you:
Stress related illnesses
Medical/psychological problems including depression and substance abuse
Increased absenteeism secondary to the above
Increased turnover secondary to the above
Why is this so? Research has demonstrated that people who do not disconnect from work suffer increased levels of exhaustion. People who do disconnect recover from job/work stress and have increased engagement levels when back at work. What if you are a professional? You have even more of a need to take time off. The work of professionals involves much thinking and learning, the very activities which consume considerable brain energy. If you don't build in periods of recovery you will reach a point of mental exhaustion, frequently referred to as burnout. What if you cannot take time off and enjoy a holiday? Well here are some ideas:
Select other activities during the week on breaks, after work, or on weekends:
Disconnect completely from work when the work is done.
Exercise or do a hobby that you like.
Take some small work breaks during the day, e.g. take a short walk, meditate briefly, and listen to music.
On daily breaks or weekends, choose more engaging activities such as hobbies, reading, socializing, or exercise. This is in contrast to passive activities such as sitting in front of computers or television. These are easy to implement and work great. One reason to do so is to reduce burnout and stress. A second reason to take more time off to be productive is to help clear out your mental clutter. If your limiting thoughts get in the way (e.g. "I don't need time away, that's weak or lack of dedication"), then consider changing those thoughts or getting the help to do so.
Take more time out for you. Good luck on your journey.
Dr. Paul Longobardi
For other information about these and related topics, please see my website at www.successandmindset.com.