Productivity is a function of adequate rest

We're too obsessed with doing more these days that it's doing us more harm than good. We try to squeeze out as many things as possible that we forget to rest in hopes of being productive.

The irony is that the more exhausted you are, the more prone you are to fall into bad habits. If you don't take breaks, decision fatigue kicks in. You start making wrong decisions because you lack the energy to make good decisions.

If we want to live a life of flow and productivity, we need to get adequate rest. Here are 4 approaches that can help you with that:

1. Take breaks throughout your working hours

Our attention wanes after a prolonged period of time, so it's important to take breaks throughout your day. Whether it's stretching and getting off your chair after working every hour, exercising, meditating, or being in nature, find ways to take small breaks throughout your day.

2. Set a limit on what time you start and end your work each day

If you don't set a limit on what time you end your work, it's tempting to forgo your beauty sleep in exchange for work. Yet, this lack of sleep will catch up with you. Be deliberate about when you start and end your work. Being strict about when you end your work can also make you more productive as you know that you don't have much time to waste.

3. Have a productivity cheat day

Like how dieters have a cheat day, it is also important to have a day dedicated to rest. If we don't indulge in our vices from time to time, we start to hate dieting. If you don't set time to recharge your batteries, you will begin to despise your work.

4. Have extended breaks every 2 months

Have you ever felt more recharged after going on a vacation? Why not do this every other month? When the pandemic is over and we all get to travel again, set time for mini-vacations. Take a few days off and get away from your house and work. Resist the temptation to work when you're away. Going completely away can give you perspective on your work and help solve the problems that you are facing.