Human TuneUp Column by Cath
Five choices other than wearing out
Indulge me, please, while I restate the obvious: you can only overdo something for so long until there is a price to pay. Overworking without breaks and enough rest can quickly lead to a dip in health. You wear yourself out.
How long can you keep overworking? Only you know. But my hope is that these suggestions encourage you to take better care of yourself.
If you hear yourself saying, “I’m tired. Help. I need a break,” the following five choices are especially for you!
? In the midst of working too much for too long, stop long enough to schedule something fun on your calendar to look forward to. We can do almost anything if we know there is something to look forward to.
? Ask, “Does this really have to be done?” You can’t do it all. Do what absolutely must be done. Negotiate with the task masters and get clear on priorities.
? Say “no” more often. Refusing requests is part of the key to taking better care of yourself. It is tricky when it is your boss driving the overwork…but so necessary to speak of the toll being taken and negotiate new work agreements.
? As much as possible, reduce contact with people who aggravate you.
? Teach yourself not to be overly concerned with things that ultimately turn to dust.
When you are addicted to material possessions and overwork to maintain that value at
the expense of your health, you are on an unsustainable path.
Joseph Campbell calls taking these sorts of steps “destiny decisions;” you value yourself enough to decide to take care of yourself.
Get your work done without doing yourself in. It’s tricky, but critical.
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Cath DeStefano, Author, Speaker on Mindfulness and Stress Relief
Stress Relief FlipBook here:
http://www.humantuneup.com/flipovers.htm
HumanTuneUp@Live.com
Category: Life Style
