Stress is one the greatest robbers of our joy, our energy, our creativity and even our health. This is not news. We know it, we feel it, but we’re too busy to do anything about it. It is a vicious circle that ends up biting us and everyone around us. There doesn’t seem to be any way to stop the onrushing whirlwind of technology from sucking us into its vortex.
It was not too long ago that our business lives had much clearer boundaries. Our workdays had more clearly defined beginnings and endings. While there might not have been a quitting-time whistle, when our workday was over, it was over. Most of us could meet friends to relax, go home to our families or pursue some type of recharging activity or recreation.
Today, these boundaries have been blurred to the point of being erased. Blackberries are virtual appendages that tether us to our jobs like an astronaut’s lifeline on a spacewalk. We dare not venture too far away or we immediately feel the sharp pang of information deprivation.
I am certainly one of the addicted who feels the tug in my psyche, wondering who might have written back about a certain proposal or on-going project. My clients are literally all over the world so that evening in Singapore is morning in Texas. I can get off that call and immediately dial Aberdeen for an early afternoon consult. My brain believes I am open for business 24/7.
Every aspect of our lives suffers when we fail to establish and maintain boundaries, especially in our careers. In the beginning, we do experience a boost in productivity. It is not long, however, before the law of diminishing returns sets in. We begin to forget this or that. Our presentations are not quite as sharp, our creativity isn’t as available as we’d like, and the overall quality of our work suffers.
I find that I’m like a battery that never gets fully recharged. Even when I try to give full attention to my family, my activities or myself, I am easily distracted, often annoyed and deeply discombobulated (which is a wonderful word in that it sounds exactly how I feel). It’s not a positive experience for me or anyone else who happens to be around me, bless my wife’s heart.
My aforementioned spouse, Melissa, taught me a wonderful technique that has made a tremendous difference in the stress level of my life. I have learned to use it when I recognize (or am told) that my internal stress needles have drifted seriously into the red. It is based upon that idea that since we can never return to simpler times, it is vital that we create times when work activities do not intrude so we can focus on taking care of ourselves.
Here’s the technique. Look at the projects and activities that you have on your plate and see what needs to be done right away. Do those things, delegate them or put them on the to-do list for when you return. Get to a place where you can put all work-related activities down for the night, the weekend or other parcel of time that you have allotted yourself to spend away from your work.
Now here comes the hard part. You are going to be taking a mini mind vacation. During this time, there is no checking emails, no taking business phone calls. You are not going to dwell on what needs to be done at the job, irrespective of how important, critical, or vital it is.
Of course, you will think about work. The thoughts come into your head, unbidden. Remind yourself that you are not responsible for the thoughts that come into your head. You are only responsible for the thoughts you entertain. Thank them for sharing and tell them you’ll get back to them after your respite. I actually tell my mind that ‘I’m on vacation now’ and whatever needs to be handled, will be done when I return. I often have to say it over and over in my head with as much patience as I can muster.
If you happen to get the “idea of the century,” of course go jot down a line or two that will key you back into the concept when you return. Then, let it go. Your very sanity is at stake here. If you doubt it, ask those who love you just how sane you’ve been acting lately.
In your activities during your mini mind vacation, focus upon the maintenance of life and home. Even chores like running errands, working on the garden, vacuuming or other seemingly mundane activities can be renewing when you are fully engaged. This is the chopping wood and carrying water from which enlightenment springs.
There are so many benefits to taking a mini mind vacation. You will feel better, your family and friends will enjoy your presence more and you will have a wonderful storehouse of energy, creativity and focus to draw upon when you return to work. Don’t delay. Your peace of mind is waiting for you with a cool, refreshing drink in its hand.
Dennis Tardan is a communications consultant and empowerment trainer. His passion is helping people to communicate their core messages with greater clarity, effectiveness and confidence. His company is Tardan Professional Development and he is based in Texas, USA. www.tardanprodev.com. Write to Dennis at .
