It can be easy to overwork, especially when you're a student or someone who works from home (or both!). When there's always one more little thing to be done, it sometimes feels like you have to do it. However, there's a big difference between being productive and overworking. When I'm productive, I usually feel really great about myself, but when I overwork I tend to feel a little more like the cover photo. Overworking can be bad for both your physical and mental health so here are 10 tips to help you avoid overworking this week.
1. Set timers
If you know you have to work for long periods of time, try to set some timers. It doesn't do you any good to sit working on the same task for hours on end because you lose focus and your work isn't as quality as it could be. In fact, a study from 2014 by Draugiem Group found that the most productive employees worked 52 minutes at a time and took 17-minute breaks (a more in-depth look at this study can be found here).
While a break that long may not be practical for everyone, try to schedule at least a ten-minute break between long sessions of working. You'll feel a lot better and you'll work a lot better. Also, make sure to set timers for things like meals so you don't forget to eat throughout the day.
2. Don't pull all-nighters
It's just a bad idea. Lack of sleep is awful for you and you won't do your best work at one in the morning, I promise. There are tons of studies that prove that lack of sleep is, overall, terrible for your body and terrible for your concentration - which you need to work the next day. To avoid the temptation of an all-nighter, try to schedule your day so you don't need one. Make sure to get work done during waking hours so you can sleep soundly every night.
3. Go for a walk
Or just move around in some capacity during your breaks. Even if it's jumping jacks by your desk, some sort of movement is better than sitting for hours at a time. It helps clear your mind and allows you to concentrate more on your work when you come back. If you can walk outside, getting some fresh air and being out in the sun can improve your mood and your productivity.
4. Have a morning and nightly routine that have nothing to do with work
Make sure you set up some time for self-care both in your mornings and at night. Make sure you have time to get a good breakfast, take a shower, read a book, or just spend some time unwinding or getting ready for the day. These should be the times where you're not obligated to be anywhere or with anyone - make sure to enjoy it and take care of yourself.
5. Schedule everything - even your free time
For me, if I don't schedule my free time, I might not ever get it depending on how many projects or assignments I have coming up. Sometimes I just need thirty minutes to play a new game, read a book, or work on my personal writing. Find what you love and make sure it's a part of your life.
6. Take time to focus on yourself (or whatever energizes you)
This ties in with the last two points, but make sure to make time for yourself or what you enjoy. For me, this means making time for my nightly prayers and devotions. Find what energizes and encourages you, and make it a part of your routine.
7. Don't work while sitting in bed
There are a few reasons to not work while in bed. For one thing, it makes you less productive and you might fall asleep. There's also the fact that we often associate the places we work with stress, and that doesn't stop when it's time to sleep. Working in bed can stop you from falling asleep at night because you're still thinking about what needs to be done at work when you should be sleeping.
8. Find new hobbies
Sometimes we work so much we lose sight of what we really love. Explore what's out there and don't be afraid to try new things. You're not too old to get into something new, I promise. It's never too late to learn something or pick up a new hobby - and you don't have to be good at it for it to be valuable. What's important is that you're enjoying yourself in a new way.
9. Take a vacation
Obviously not everyone can do this and no one can do it all the time, but it's good to take a few days to yourself. It also gives you something to look forward to, which can make long work days a little more bearable.
10. Take some time away from social media
Social media can cause a lot of stress. While it's great to connect with your friends, sometimes you just need a break. This is especially true for anyone that directly works with social media, whether they be a content creator, self employed, or they work in social media marketing. Take some time to walk out in nature or read a good book and turn your notifications off. Genuinely take some time for yourself.
