The demands of modern society and work life often exceeds our resources. Also, we are bombarded with stimuli throughout the day. Therefore, many people find it difficult to relax and unwind.
Our bodies are built with an accelerator (the sympathetic nervous system) and a brake (the parasympathetic nervous system). The accelerator helps us get going, handle daily tasks, and perform. The brake helps us slow down, allowing the body and brain to get the necessary rest to ensure we perform well over time and don’t burn out.
It’s important to address stress factors in your work life if you feel like you’re constantly pressing the accelerator during your workday. It’s okay to push hard for short periods, but in the long run, it will lead to poorer performance and wellbeing because the body is out of balance.
Your workplace has an obligation to ensure you are not overloaded with tasks. It’s your manager’s job to adjust tasks to fit the work hours, for example, through prioritization.
Try this
- Notice your energy levels throughout the day: What drains you the most? What gives you energy?
- Balance your workday: Can you organize your workday to have a better balance between energy-giving and energy-draining activities?
- Ensure sufficient sleep, nutritious food, enough water, time in nature, and regular movement: These all give your body more energy.
- Take breaks during the day: Breaks are necessary to maintain energy throughout the day. You can’t be productive for many hours straight. Maybe it’s time to discuss break culture at your workplace?
- For sedentary work: Take active breaks with some stretching exercises for your back and neck or a short walk indoors or outdoors. Remember to change your working position if you have a sit-stand desk.
- For physically demanding work: Take calm breaks with some breathing exercises, stretching, or resting with your eyes closed.
- Remember, breaks are not selfish: They are a proactive tool and essential for maintaining good performance throughout the workday.
