24 Jul “Work Before Play” Just Doesn’t Work Anymore
work before play???
I don’t know if you were raised like I was, but when was little I was taught to finish my work before I played. It made sense in to finish my homework before I went out to play. It made sense to study for a test or clean my room before my friends came over. It made sense then.
But does it make sense now? Will we EVER be done with our work? I don’t think so. As a business professional, homeowner, and mom I could work 72 hours a day and still not be done. In this day and age of information overload and cutting budgets we are all trying to fit the work of 3 or 4 people into one. It’s time for a shift.
It’s hard to up your game when you’re burned out and overwhelmed. It’s hard to think clearly and productively when you don’t have the bandwidth. Our short term memories are finite and sometimes there is just no more room. If you don’t take time to care for yourself it will take longer to get your important work done. As Abe Lincoln said “If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I’d spend six sharpening my ax.”
So now in the middle of summer, when things are a little slower, it maybe the perfect time for you to set some “self-care” boundaries and make new habits. How can you build enjoyment and downtime in to your life:
- Find a class you like, sign up and go regularly
- Schedule technology vacations – pick a day or two every month and turn it off
- Schedule fun time out with friends, family and/or just yourself
- Close up shop at a scheduled time each evening
But most importantly, think differently. Balance work and play. Know that work before play is obsolete. Know that if you don’t take care of yourself your work will suffer.
Hazel Thornton
Posted at 13:13h, 24 JulyYou’re right, Ellen. The key word is “schedule”. If I don’t schedule exercise, fun, and self-care, it just doesn’t happen!
Ellen Faye
Posted at 13:30h, 30 JulyIt’s hard even when I schedule it Hazel. We have to make it happen!
Tiffany Lynn Lepp
Posted at 10:28h, 30 JulyEllen, I totally agree with you. I put play before work, because I know the work will get done somehow someway. But, the play – not necessary.
Last night, I played a board game with the husband. The dirty dishes sat, but they eventually got done.
I wrote my grandfather a long overdue letter. My papers sat, but they eventually were gone through.
I went on a week’s vacation. My electronic clutter built up, but eventually I got to those emails that were most important and let the rest go.
Play before work all the way! Thanks, Ellen.
Ellen Faye
Posted at 13:31h, 30 JulyPlay before Work when we need to and Work before Play when we need to. There is the B word again (BALANCE!) Glad you are taking care of yourself Tiffany.