Work is a blessing not everyone gets to enjoy. For this reason, most of the people who understand this don’t take it for granted. Thus, the hustle-and-grind mindset has taken over this present generation of workers.
Whether you work in a corporate setting or hospice care services and everything else in between, for a lot of folks, the concept of rest is a luxury beyond their reach.
We bring to you a list of reasons why rest is necessary for productivity and why you should take some time off from work.
7 Ways Rest Enhances Your Productivity
1. Reduced stress
It is found that the stress levels caused by work are at an all-time high now. Health care expenses are 50% greater for employees suffering from great stress in the workplace. Skipping on breaks and days off contributes to employee stress and exhaustion.
2. Reduced risk of heart disease
Most of the work people do today is sedentary. This increases the risk factors for general inflammation and heart disease. Given that work today is already stressful as it is, every hour you spend seated in front of your computer or papers gives you an in cardiovascular disease mortality rate by 18%. Taking a short breather helps break that continuity.
3. Boosts immune system
Unknown to most folks, chronic stress also affects and depresses the immune system. Two ways to help mitigate this is to get adequate sleep and regular exercise since these are known to help boost your immune system.
4. Better quality of sleep
Discipline helps correct your sleeping pattern to get you a better quality of sleep. Sleep is important in recharging and rejuvenating your mind and body. Know when to stop working and avoid bringing your work home so you can disconnect from it and get some well-deserved rest after a long day at work.
5. Restores mental energy
Taking a short breather or getting a good night’s rest helps restore your mental balance which keeps you more alert and energetic to take on your tasks at work the following day. Detach from your work to avoid exhaustion and burnout.
6. Increases creativity
One of the rewards of stepping away from work regularly is it clears your mind which allows you to think more clearly. Just as taking a break allows you to draw energy, giving your mind a mental break produces creative breakthroughs and solutions to concerns.
7. Increased focus
A University of Illinois study from 2008 showed that not taking time off from work tends to reduce one’s productivity while going on restorative breaks increases your mind’s ability to focus and concentrate. It also helps improve your short-term memory.
Rest is a very important aspect of health care. It rejuvenates and re-energizes your physical body. It reduces stress and anxiety. It ensures that your mind is alert and focused.
Given all its benefits, rest should never be taken lightly. It is not counterproductive to take a break and know when to stop. It actually helps you become more engaged at work and in your private time.