We all lead such busy lives nowadays. Even fitting in appointments to have a hair cut, or see the optician can seem like another job to be completed. The first thing that occupies me every morning is to assess the amount of things I have planned to do. Some days are more challenging than others and I am often more preoccupied with the priorities of others than I should be.
We are now a few weeks into the new term after the summer break. Our minds should turn to making time for rest and how important it is to make sure we recharge our batteries regularly.
I have been considering this week how to turn the positive feelings that follow a period of holiday into a regular feature of the working week. Working consistently without a break actually reduces productivity and can cause stress in the long term. Certainly it hampers creativity.
So here are my ideas for a better structure to your work. These should increase productivity, increase creativity and reduce stress.
1. If possible take regular breaks by scheduling them into your day. Don’t schedule teaching from 10 in the morning until 10 at night snatching a sandwich between lessons.
2. Make sure that you have a rest day (two would be perfect) where you do something that you like that has nothing to do with dancing. This might mean meeting friends, playing golf, reading a book, walking, whatever your hobby might be. If you don’t have a hobby then take time to concentrate on yourself.
3. Don’t use the time away from dancing to catch up on other work such as cleaning the house unless you enjoy it.
4. Being lazy can be productive so don’t feel guilty about it. As long as it is balanced with what you need to do.
5. You are not resting when stimulating your mind with TV.
6. Focus on what is important to you.
We all know that Perfect Planning Prevents Poor Performance at work. When you are planning your work for the rest of the year remember to plan for REST as well as to plan for work. Put it in your diary; make sure you do it. Even very successful leaders and managers forget to do this.
We only have one life, and even if work makes us happy we need to be fit and well enough to do it. It is all about balance.
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