It's hard to carve out time to relax in a 24/7 world. But just as it's healthy to focus at work - ignoring social media and personal email - you must occasionally leave work behind. If we can learn how to tap into what our body and mind truly needs in those brief windows of downtime, we can not only feel more balanced but even open up windows in our day that we never knew existed.
1. Schedule your time. Treat downtime like a work meeting: Schedule it. Book evenings off, one to two days a week free of work, and weeklong chunks of vacation every year on your calendar, and stick to them.
2. Turn off your devices. Leave your laptop at the office when you can. Carry a phone for work and one for personal use - leave the work phone in your bag when you come home or in the safe at your hotel when you're on holiday.
3. Create effective routines. Signal to your mind that it's time to start work, leave work, or engage with family by using rituals to transition from one kind of activity to the next.
The above leadership tip...
was sent in response to a question from a participant on our acclaimed 10/10 leadership development and mentoring programme. Whether you're a first time manager or an experienced leader, straightforward, practical advice on best practice is hard to find. Until now. To find out how you, your team or your organisation can benefit, please contact us.