THE old school thought of hard work exists in the minds of some very sincere techies who toil through every inch of their energy. If a software company has even a handful of such employees, it can consider itself lucky. While ethically this seems to be the way to work and progress for them, health wise it’s the biggest mistake they may be committing.
At AnyLinuxWork, we encourage people to learn to keep health issues at bay and go up the professional ladder without compromising on the quality of life. We have developed a check-list to see whether or not our employees are really enjoying life and work both at the same time.
Circadian Rhythms: Are you one of those who work ‘blindly’? Have you ever taken time to calculate what your ‘best performance’ time is? Are there any slots during your entire work day that are often unproductive? Take heart. Know that your high-energy period is the first half of the work day, say, 9 am to 1 pm. That’s what the scientists call Circadian rhythms. Don’t waste this precious time on Facebook or checking emails or replying to them. If you are working on a project, start work on it during this best half. And keep the mechanical tasks like replying to emails, calling HR cell, returning phone calls etc for the second half. Remember that you are at your most creative self during this time, so do your best.
Stretching breaks: Ever noticed that 15 minutes before lunch time, you already start to lose focus? Does it happen before every break? How often do you take a break? If it happens several times, check it. Every time you take a break, it takes much effort and energy to get back to the same level of concentration. This affects efficiency. Result is you end up working late in the office or bring work home. This is very taxing for your health and brain in general. Your biggest motivation to avoid too many breaks during the day – you will be able to go home early.
Physically here, mentally there: Deliberately avoid thinking about work while watching TV or while you are having family time. Distract yourself. You deserve to relax and have fun after every day’s work. It is okay to let go sometimes and forget about work. Try to avoid replying to messages of colleagues about any work related issues. Tell them frankly to discuss them over work. You can do it. This will help your mental health. Your brain will get a real change and will work with renewed energy the next day.
Pamper yourself: Nothing rejuvenates your body and senses better than physically pampering. Even if you are a guy, get a head massage or a pedicure once in two weeks. If not anything, take a long shower after you come back from the office. It’s summer, get a cold water shower and watch your body and brain revel in the refreshing change.
Recreation: At least one physical or mental activity (not video games) outdoor or indoor once a week is a must. Do not confine yourself to work-home-work life. Get out. Gather your friends at least once a week for a hard party or picnic. Play chess with your kid or take him to a cricket stadium. Go running every morning or take a brisk walk every evening. Give your body quality time to unwind.
Weekend work: Have you ever taken work on weekends? How did that week look like? Tiring, isn’t it? On a long run, you are inviting some serious health issues if you are consistently carrying your work over on weekends. Understand that your body has a biological clock and it commands the body to rest and relax completely at least once a week. Even The Bible says that God rested on the seventh day after creating work. Respect your body’s inherent need for rest and rejuvenation. Every machine needs refueling.
Get new air: Plan a weeklong holiday at least once in three weeks. But it should not involve sightseeing or partying. This holiday should take you in the arms of nature. Go to a beach resort or simply a rest house outside the city amid greenery. Watch movies or read books, relax, watch, click, eat and give your body the much-needed change. Switch off your cell phone, don’t carry your laptop on these locations. Breathe in the new air and feel the change in your body.
A fit worker is usually a more efficient one. The need has been felt today even by the employers, why shouldn’t you realize it now? If you lose your health in the long run, you also kill your chances of professional progress. Invest in health today. It’s about time.