The world we are a part of looks down upon relaxing, slowing down in life, or taking a break to do nothing. It promotes the go-go-go mentality among the masses. The same society dictates things like not being productive is equivalent to being lazy. The existence and prevalence of al these notions around us affect our mind without us even noticing it. If we just incessantly run in the race, it will lead to burnout and will consequently tear us out. The problem with burn out is that it negatively affects our creativity and motivation. These two things make the primary basis of everything we do.
The Hustle Culture
There is no problem with the word “Hustle” but the romanticized version of the culture that has built around is problematic. Right from our childhood, we all grow up hearing stories of the greatest people of all time working day in day out until their work has paid off. Most of us think that this is something even we need to do and take inspiration from it, even when we are struggling.
During this entire COVID situation, you might have felt the pressure to learn new skills, do some courses online, and pick some new hobbies. If you think you should do it, that’s great but if you think that you need to relax more in the quarantine, then that is what you should do.
5 Tips to pause and slow down
1. Know if you are inspired by Hustle Culture
We often feel inspired by looking at others working hard. It could be while you are scrolling on Instagram or reading a book on personal growth. There is nothing wrong with getting inspired, in fact, it is a good way to fuel yourself to work hard. What is important here is to have a strategy in place. Know your intention well, as to why should the thing you are eyeing at be on your to-do list. Think enough, if you can find a better balance between work and relaxation. Just know that whatever you are doing, you are not being a sheep in the heard.
2. Ask why when you think there is a need to do more
Whenever there is a thought in your head about picking up something new or doing something. Just ask yourself where does this thought come from? Is it something that you were longing for or wanted to for a long time? Or is to prove something to someone. Generally, people in the go-go-go mindset have this urge to do everything. If you are able to stop your mind from thinking too much or have a constant urge to do more, you will feel much less overwhelmed.
3. Adjust your routine accordingly
Whenever you make your to-do-list, remember to add activities of self-compassion in it. While making your daily routine, try to keep your personal hours and work hours separate. Do something for yourself, the first thing in the morning like going for a walk or reflecting on your thoughts instead of jumping on emails right away. Similarly, at the end of the work, do something which makes it clear that it is time to let go of work (take a bath, go for a walk, etc.). Try not to pick up your laptop for official work after that.
4. Put blank slots in your schedule
Insert a blank time block to your schedule. It could be once or twice a week or even once a day. You do not have to dedicate the said block to anything. You may do anything you want except work. You could use this time to detox from all the technology that surrounds you all the time. Not checking emails, or text messages, or any other work-related stuff. This can help you get much-needed balance in life.
5. Write it in Journal
An important aspect of understanding your relationship with work, you may need to dig much deeper into your mindset. You can reflect your feelings about self-worth and productivity in the following ways:
- How are you valuable beyond your work?
- Who inspires you the most in your life and what kind of lifestyle do they have?
- How would you define a healthy work life balance?
- How do you feel if you are not being productive?
