Downtime

Many months ago, I wrote about sharpening the axe.  No matter how well you swing, or how many times you swing, there is a law of diminishing return as the axe becomes dull.  The same is true for you and me.  It’s not about the amount of hours we devote to our professions, the time we put in at the gym, the number of books we read, or even how much time we spend with those we love (though quantity time does pay ig dividends with family!).  Ultimately it’s about the presence, focus and energy we devote in all these areas.  Fatigue and stress kill quality and become self defeating.

So what do you do to recharge those Rhinoceros batteries?  Here are some ideas that may help:

•   Get some sleep –

o   People need between 7.5 and 8 hours of sleep for optimal health and mental clarity - Success Magazine, June 2011. 

o   Our bodies burn 30% less calories when sleep deprived – Brain Rules, by Dr. John Medina

•   Go on vacation – Delegate to your team and trust them; get away with your family - with only one major responsibility – enjoying the moments and building the memories

•    Enjoy a weekend getaway – Especially if you are married!

•    Get outside – get some fresh air – go on a hike, walk or bike ride.  It’s amazing how energizing the outdoors can be (but don’t bring your cell phone!)

•   Exercise – consistently shown to REDUCE fatigue and BOOST energy levels; take time to exercise and you’ll need LESS time to be MORE productive and FEEL a whole lot better overall!

 Lastly, choose to enjoy the journey and not just focus on the destination.  As I look back on my life, it seems the real rewards are found more in the journey anyway.  Let’s not wish away the days just to get to the weekend; rather, let’s choose to enjoy the moments.  These are the moments that make up most of our lives anyway – make them count. 

 So let’s make time for downtime – and you may find it becomes your real uptime.