The world is running at a pace that was unimaginable 70 to 100 years ago. From emails to microwave dinners, everything is fast-paced. This makes it difficult for the average worker to make out time to unwind. But all work and no play (we’ll take just a nap, thank you!) WILL make Jill a dull girl. Burnout is a constant threat and we have to make conscious effort to take a little break here and there. Here are a few ways to create downtime in a tight schedule.
Wake up earlier
If you can, go to bed and wake up a few hours – or even minutes – earlier. It gives you a bit of time to “steal” from the rest of the day. You unwind, get some peace and quiet to actively “recharge” your spirit and prepare for a busy day. You can work out, pray, enjoy the sunrise, whatever floats your boat.
Take public transportation
If you live far from work, once in a while, if you don’t already do so on the regular, take the bus to and from work. Or take a cab if you live in Lagos and you don’t have BRT along your route. (DANFO will not help you here o!). You get to spare yourself the hassle of driving and you can grab a little snooze time, play a mobile game or read a book while commuting.
Change locations
While public transportation has its benefits for long commutes, avoiding the commute altogether is even better. If you find yourself spending too many hours commuting to and from work, please find a new home. Or a new job. Or request for a transfer at your current job. Whether it’s your office or your home, you need to change locations and create time to rest before commuting kills you.
Maximize lunch breaks
Your lunch break can be a veritable treasure box, if you use it well. If it’s not yet another chore for you, take a packed lunch to work to remove the stress of running out to get food. Or you can order in. Try to sneak in a nap during your lunch break. A 10-15 minute power nap will make a huge difference in your energy levels.
Outsource
Let go of the need to do everything by yourself. Get an assistant and delegate a few official duties. Outsource chores as much as you can to free up time to rest. Cooking, laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning, all of it. Unwind and put your feet up for a moment. Unless, of course, you find housework refreshing – couldn’t be us, though – in which case, by all means, go at it.
Maximise waiting time
Make your hobbies as mobile as possible to make waiting a chance to unwind. While in the waiting room, you can read a novel, listen to music or play a mobile game. Anything to make waiting time go by quickly and make you feel a little less stressed is welcome.
Please share any other tips you use to create downtime with us. We love to hear from you.