Taking time to slow down, prioritize self-care, and recharge improves productivity, mental clarity, and overall well-being.
I retired from full-time work a year ago – which came as somewhat of a surprise to my coworkers and the company leadership. I wanted to spend more time with my family, my aging parents, and a brand-new granddaughter. I had also reached the point where I was utterly burned out and had to escape what had become a joyless job – at least to me. So, I chose to step away from a firm I had been with for more than 26 years, to leave that second family, and take time for myself.
In the first couple of months, two things happened. First, my family presented me with a lengthy list of tasks I never had time for. By Christmas, I had updated the phone plan, attended soccer games and band concerts, and replanted the herb garden. Now, a year later, there are still things to work on – the garage still needs to be cleaned out. But I also found that as my life slowed, the fog in my head started to clear.
I think we all agree that the AEC industry is hectic nowadays. You can hardly read a periodical without an author reminding us there is too much work and insufficient resources. The work hours and the stress of meeting client expectations weighed on me to the point where I was not sleeping well, was acting impatient with the family, and was not spending time where I wanted to spend my time. John Maxwell discusses this and the “Law of Priorities” in his book The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.
Things did not change overnight. But gradually, I became more clear-headed and (hopefully) more pleasant. I have had time to write down and pursue some of those ideas that had been rolling around inside my head. I finished a personal genealogy project, drafted this and a few other articles, and have just been able to look at our industry with a different set of eyes. I have even taken the opportunity to meet with a few of my former clients and share opinions on some things I was too cautious to say when the firm’s livelihood depended on them issuing that next contract. I probably irritate my former partners when I explain this clear-headedness to them. But my desire for them is to start allowing time for themselves.
First, take that vacation. We all talk about life-work balance, but I also think we would admit it is easier said than done. The reality is that there will always be more to do, so trying to wait until you feel caught up at work is like running a race with no finish line. Most companies provide a paid time off benefit. It looks good on paper, but is everyone utilizing it? An average employee receives approximately four weeks per year. But except for the annual family vacation (and are those truly relaxing to all?), I frequently would only see the occasional three-day weekends scattered throughout the year. The rest of the accrued PTO was rolled over or never used.
I made the factual but not quite as obvious observation to a friend recently that four weeks a year was one week each quarter. Could you imagine taking a week off every three months?! I know it is scary, if not unrealistic, to think of leaving the office that frequently. However, it does not mean you have to go to the beach or the mountains every time. Have you tried a staycation? If done right, enjoying the quiet of your home could help you recharge.
You cannot always unplug yourself from work. But what if we could build opportunities into our week to slow down and catch our breath? I am sure you are thinking about your upcoming week and telling yourself, “There is absolutely no time.” But you will see a marked improvement in your productivity with even just a few hours during the week. You could:
- Take that lunch break. Stop eating at your desk while you continue to work and check emails. Get up and go eat in the office common area. The change in scenery will ease your mind. You will also see the added benefit that eating lunch with coworkers will build camaraderie and increase the sharing of ideas.
- Schedule other short breaks. Take regular breaks to stretch or walk; even a quick walk can boost your mood and energy levels.
- Get outside. If you can take your lunch or walk outside, it’s even better. Intuitively, you know that fresh air and getting into nature are good. Studies show it has the effect of reducing your heart rate and blood pressure. The Japanese practice of “shinrin-yoku” uses nature to help reduce stress, increase mindfulness, and improve mental clarity.
- Be mindful. Take moments away from the computer (and phone) screens and allow your mind to quiet down. Focus on a slower breathing technique. Be in the moment and reflect on what you need to feel recharged.
I do not know what the future holds for me. But whatever I do, I will be doing it with fresh ideas and a new outlook. But for now, I still have that garage to clean out.
Greg Sepeda is a former engineering manager and is currently rewired as a management consultant. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
