Relaxing is not a shame: 3 tips for workaholics to achieve balance in life

As you know, time is money, especially if income depends on the number of clients. It's hard to shake off the thought that you always have to do something: if you don't work on a specific task, it means establishing new connections, pumping skills or following the news of your industry. From such pressure, and there is a feeling of guilt for the rest.

“But you're like a phone that needs to be charged,” says Julie Morgenstern, productivity expert and author of time management books. - That's what free time is for. Rest in your own interests and in the interests of your work. Remind yourself of this.

1. Change your attitude to relaxation

Many people perceive free time as a gift that you present to yourself at the expense of your work and your wallet. Especially if you do your own business or freelance. Try to change your point of view. “Don't think that when you give yourself a break, you are choosing between yourself and your job,” advises Morgenstern. "On the contrary, it is your responsibility to your business and customers."

In addition, researchers have shown that productivity drops dramatically if you work more than 50 hours a week. And when you work more than 55 hours, there is no benefit at all: the results of the 70-hour work week and 55-hour work week are the same.

Excessive workload hurts more than just productivity. Injecting regularly for more than 10 hours a day increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and hormonal imbalances. This also negatively affects relationships with loved ones. So see relaxation as an integral part of both work and personal prosperity.

2. Treat your activity like a regular job, even if you really love it

For some, their identity is strongly tied at work, especially in creative professions. If they do not constantly go about their business, not only a sense of shame arises, but also a personal crisis.

This mindset is also common among freelancers and entrepreneurs. They can spend their personal time on work tasks without considering that they are working. But you can’t call it rest either, but you need it, even when you are busy with the work of your whole life.

3. Focus on the quality of work, not the number of hours spent

Feelings of guilt can also be due to the fact that you are poorly managing your time, which affects productivity. Try to change your approach to time management. “By time management, I mean the ability to take into account the amount of energy and mental strength required to produce the best result,” says Morgenstern.

Observe how your energy ups and downs alternate: how long you can concentrate before your brain turns off, what time of day you can best perform different types of tasks.

Let's say you can't write for more than two hours, and in the morning you find it easiest to cope with difficult tasks. Or, conversely, in the morning you are more comfortable doing monotonous work and small things, and the second half of the day to devote to something creative. Consider your rhythms as you plan your day. Then productivity will be higher, and you can disconnect from work on time with a clear conscience.

Remember, your value is not determined by the number of hours you are willing to spend at work, but by the quality of what you do.