Word Of the Week #597: Rejuvenate
January 13, 2016 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on Word Of the Week #597: Rejuvenate
Rejuvenate – renewed energy and strength.
How productive were you last week? Would you like to work smarter and not harder? What activities give you renewed energy and strength?
This is the follow up to last week’s WOW from Joyce E. A. Russell’s Career Coach article, Taking breaks from work is vital, in the LA Times. She writes, “How can you rejuvenate? Take short breaks at work by leaving your desk to get up and take a walk or have lunch with friends, or take longer breaks in which you might take a hike, unplug from technology or take a power nap. It doesn’t mean simply trading one work-related task for another because this does not relax your brains.
Instead, substitute restorative activities such as listening to music, enjoying nature, meditating, engaging in social interactions, daydreaming, phoning your children or partner, reading a fun book, drawing or doodling, or going to lunch with friends or colleagues.
I remember consulting at a firm where many of the executives brought novels and read during lunch. They told me that it relaxed them and gave them a chance to briefly escape the stresses of the job. They also said they came back to their work ready to focus.
Try to step away from work about every 90 minutes or so. Set a time if that helps. By adopting a routine, you push yourself to be more productive and focused. If you don’t want to start with that many breaks, then at least plan on two 15-minute breaks a day. It’s not as optimal as a break every 90 minutes, but it’s better than no breaks at all.
A lunch break is one important time in which it would be in your best interest to get up and leave your desk, either by exercising, enjoying lunch with friends or engaging in a hobby. Doing something that is fun and makes you feel good about yourself is key. Staying at your desk while eating lunch does not help in the renewal of your brain.
Just like getting enough sleep is essential to good health, so is taking a break. Your physical therapist will agree because many of us hold a lot of stress inside and experience neck and shoulder pain. Taking more frequent breaks and stretching will help alleviate these pains.
Time to practice what I preach – I’m off to take a stretch break.”
This week’s focus is to rejuvenate. What could you do that is FUN and makes you feel good about yourself? Do you enjoy listening to music? How about taking walks? Like to read a good book? When was the last time you actually called a friend or family member?
I LOVE feedback! Join my Facebook community on my FUN-damentals Fan Page.