Image courtesy of anankkml, www.freedigitalphotos.net
By Sunita Sehmi, Walk The Talk
A few weeks ago there was a great article posted by Richard Branson on LinkedIn, entitled “Relax, But Don't Take the Summer Off From Great Ideas:”
According to the entrepreneur, Summer is a great time to take a break - but also when inspiration is most likely to strike. Furthermore, he encourages us to “use the space and time to reflect on the year so far and plan how to improve in the coming months…." But, fittingly, he reminds us that it’s just as important to let your hair down!
Interestingly, the “not taking time out theory,” goes against the current opinion, which states that taking a break from work gives you time to clear your mind and reflect, and this could ultimately boost your productivity for when you get back.
In support of the benefits of total relaxation from work, Christine Webber, Psychotherapist with Kuoni and Nuffield Health Charity, conducted an interesting study. She found that blood pressure was reduced and this was important in reducing the chances of stroke and heart attacks. Additionally, better sleep patterns were recorded amongst participants of the study and this, in turn, had positive effects on their immune system. However, even more importantly, it was revealed that these benefits continue well past the vacation - in fact, for months afterwards.
I believe getting away from work and having a total switch off from your professional life is not only necessary and healthy but it can have tremendous benefits on your professional well-being too. Besides, we get our best ideas, answers and resolutions to problems when our mind is empty, calm and void of all the office noise.
Mary Hladio of Ember Carriers Leadership Group asserts that by taking time away from work to unplug and reconnect with other people and things in your life that bring you joy, you actually come back to the workplace invigorated and more productive than if you had stayed in the office for the same time period. Hladio adds, “Sometimes when we are away from the day to day we actually find solutions to problems or think of innovative ways for higher performance.”
I have to agree as I do urge my clients to catch up on sleep, read a new book, and spend time with loved ones …and I “Walk The Talk,” i.e. I practice what I preach!
Furthermore, I have found that my finest problem solving capabilities and business ideas have come when I have been away in a completely different context with other people.
Lastly, I will leave you with a little golden piece of advice that I got fifteen years ago….
My eldest son was five at the time and his wonderful teacher told me just before the summer holidays not to overload him with summer camp activities and entertain him too much. ,“Let him be bored,” she said…”it's important for them and great for their creativity”… And Claire-Lise. thank you, you were right! Boredom can cultivate creativity for children and for adults!
Wishing you all a peaceful and serene Summer.
“Let your vacation be a stark reminder that you have control over your level of relaxation — and apply that at work when you return,” Lynn Taylor
Reference: Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behaviour and Thrive in Your Job by Lynn Taylor
Revealed: How Holidays Help You Live Longer. The Holiday Health Report 2013, www.nuffieldhealth.co.uk/holiday-health-experiment
Mary Hladio Ember Carriers Leadership Group: http://embercarriers.com/our-team.htm
Bio
Sunita Sehmi was born in London and is of Indian origin. She has a Psychology degree and a Post Grad in the Development and Training for Adults from the University of Surrey.
She began her career in the recruitment industry where she worked in Executive Finance Recruitment in the city of London. Upon her arrival in Geneva, she completed the advanced level Cambridge University training certificate (CELTA) and thus began a career in teaching, training and development. She has taught English and Communication skills both in companies and in educational institutions for over twenty years. She is now the founder of Walk The Talk. www.walkthetalk.ch
Sunita lives in Geneva with her husband and their two boys. She has a Masters from the University of Geneva, Lausanne, Neuchatel and Fribourg, specializing in Career Management and Coaching
