Fitness
Rejuvenate Yourself
Get an Energy and Productivity Jumpstart
By Jeff Tomaszewski
Four hundred and thirty-eight million: That is the number of vacation days Americans failed to take last year, more than any other industrialized nation, according to Harris Interactive Research Group.
Here’s the result: America ranks first in both depression and mental health issues.
Americans are burned out. Our productivity and creativity are dropping, relationships are failing and our rising stress is leading to record levels of heart disease, stomach ulcers and depression.
All Work, No Play
We’re judged by how much we work. We’re afraid of being replaced or left behind, and we’re addicted to busyness. It’s not only destroying our mental and physical health but also our creative productivity.
This is especially true in our global economy, where our future lies with our ability to think creatively, innovatively and productively.
Rest and recovery are vital to looking and feeling your best. Unfortunately, it’s viewed as a weakness rather than as an integral aspect of growth and sustained performance.
We become flatliners mentally, emotionally and physically by endlessly spending sufficient energy without recovery. We slowly wear down and become ineffective.
Taking a break might be difficult for some of us. Consider these tips:
Reframe it: Instead of calling it time off and thinking we are slackers, reframe it as “rejuvenation time.” This sounds more purposeful and meaningful, doesn’t it? This might be mental manipulation, but we’ll take whatever works.
Schedule it: What gets scheduled gets done. Like any critical appointment, you have to plant your time-off flag on your calendar and defend it. Take a break from email. Put your phone and other electronic devices aside.
Declare it: Don’t feel guilty or try to keep it a secret. Lead by example and show others how to make rejuvenation part of an overall health plan. Set expectations and communicate your schedule. You’ll be amazed at how the world will reorganize itself around your time-off spaces.
Jeff Tomaszewski is owner of MaxStrength Fitness in Westlake where he helps clients boost energy and productivity through strength training. Visit maxstrengthfitness.com or call 440-835-9090.
