Recharge, reenergize and renew!
By Marlyn Kissner, Executive Director, CCEDC
Take a break, take a walk, and give your mind some time to reenergize. Most of us are constantly connected, especially in our current climate: cell phones, ipads, email, text messages, television – and the list goes on.
As I was getting ready for work – connected to the TV of course, I was drawn to a very short story focusing on the benefits of taking a walk during your workday. It was a very brief segment but made me think about the importance of taking time to breathe and move throughout the busy workday. For those of you who do not mind the cold these days, bundle up and head out the door for some fresh air – even if it’s only a ten to fifteen-minute walk. If you are unable to take a walk, take a few minutes and step away from your computer. Stand up, stretch your arms above your head, touch your toes, twist your body … give your mind a break. Don’t forget to eat breakfast and lunch … recharging includes getting the proper nutrition throughout the day as well.
I know this all seems like common sense, but I’m here to remind you of a few simple things that can have a positive effect on your productivity … just in case you’ve tucked them away!
Dale Carnegie suggests ways to “Keep Your Energy And Spirits High”:
- Rest before you get tired.
- Learn to relax during your workday (walk, stretch, breathe!).
- Apply these four good working habits:
- Clear your work area of all papers except those relating to the immediate problem at hand.
- Do things in the order of their importance.
- When you face a problem, solve it then and there if you have the facts necessary to make a decision.
- Learn to organize, deputize, and supervise.
- Put enthusiasm into your work.
Take your vacation, PTO days …. you’ve earned them. It’s difficult to disconnect these days with technology right at our fingertips, especially if you are working from home, with challenging boundaries. Be sure to get outside, get some fresh air and enjoy your time away from work. Spend time with family and friends to help recharge your batteries. We are lucky to have the outdoors right in our backyard… after work or on the weekends, take a walk on a local trail, hike, bike, or kayak. All of these activities truly help you disconnect and recharge and are available in your back yard here in the Poconos! Have some fun 😊
Lastly, stay positive and have an “attitude of gratitude”. When you are happy, confident, and grateful your mood is lifted, which will help lead to great work productivity. At the end of the day, reflect upon the top three things that brought gratitude to your day … give it a try and it will bring a smile to your face 😊