Does your to-do list seem endless? Are you working nights and weekends in addition to your regular schedule? Is your calendar filled with obligations that might be fun or satisfying but are also exhausting?
We guess that your answer to at least one of those questions is yes. We can make that guess because so many people are so busy all of the time that the phenomenon has a name: the cult of busyness. The article at the link describes the situation in the workplace:
We fire off (then “circle back” on) countless emails. We scramble to respond to chat messages on Slack or Teams at hyper-speed so no one thinks we’re slacking off. We sit in on unnecessary meetings, because (we’re told) it’s good to be seen to be there. And we shuffle color-coordinated blocks around on the latest piece of project management software, to document our busyness. All of this, of course, eats into the time left to do the tasks that have been so endlessly discussed: in 2016, a study found that “knowledge workers” (people who think about stuff for a living, essentially) spent as little as 39 per cent of their working day doing their actual job, with the remaining three-fifths of their day absorbed by meetings, emails and updates. No wonder many stay late or arrive early to stay afloat.
Add to those work obligations all of the other things you might have going on in your life—raising kids, volunteering, engaging with your faith community, chores and projects around the house, and so on and on—and everything can feel absolutely overwhelming.
That sense of being constantly overwhelmed is not good for your mental health. That is why it is so important to rest. Let’s take a look at various kinds of rest that support your mental health.
The Importance of Sleep
Far too many of us are not getting enough restful sleep—and that is bad for our mental health, our physical health, and even our overall productivity.
We have shared tips for getting good quality sleep before. Among those tips:
- Taking in some sunlight each day
- Limiting your caffeine intake and making good food choices before bedtime
- Sticking to a regular sleep schedule—both for going to bed and for getting up
- Establishing a nighttime routine that eases you into readiness for sleep
The Importance of Breaks Throughout the Day
When you are at work, it can seem like the pace is just too fast to allow you to take breaks. But breaks—which might include a quick walk, a few minutes reading something you enjoy (that isn’t on your screen), and taking an actual lunch break rather than snarfing down food at your desk—can make your workday more productive and less stressful. That is good for your mental health, and it is also good for your employer, who gets the benefit of your productivity.
The Importance of Weekends
Way back in 1981, the band Loverboy reminded us that everyone was “Working for the Weekend.” Notice that the name of the song is not “Working through the Weekend.”
The weekend—whether yours falls on Saturday and Sunday or other days—provides an opportunity to rest and recharge, but only if we take advantage of it. Sure, you may have projects or obligations that are part of your weekend, but you should also be intentional about setting aside time to do something you really enjoy.
That might mean watching your favorite team in action. It might mean diving into a favorite hobby. And it might mean getting together with friends and family for an enjoyable time. The details are up to you, but it is important to use the days you are not working for enjoyment and relaxation.
The Importance of Taking Vacations
Many people—perhaps you are among them—are downright terrible about taking vacations. The pressures of work and our other obligations can make taking some real downtime seem impossible.
But it isn’t impossible. And it is necessary if you are going to protect your mental health.
The trick is to plan ahead. Get your vacation into your calendar (and your company’s calendar) as early as you can so that you and your coworkers can prepare for your time away.
And when you are on vacation, be on vacation. Do not check your work email or your Slack channels. Do not take along work related materials. And to the best of your ability, put all thoughts of your job and other obligations aside.
A commitment to taking vacations can help protect you from experiencing burnout, and that is a great thing for your overall mental health.
We are Here to Help You Improve Your Mental Health
At Peak View Behavioral Health, located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, we provide personalized treatment for those dealing with mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, trauma-based issues, and more. We are dedicated to providing a safe place for restoring balance in your life so that you can embrace a spirit of hope. If you need help, we are here to provide it.
