When we think of productivity, we usually think of being more efficient, sticking to our routines, optimizing our schedules, and all that good stuff. But rarely do we think of slowing down to be more productive. Confusing, eh? I know. I had the same reaction.
Well, it is pretty simple – we need to understand that just because we can burn a candle on both ends, it’s not wise to do so. We can program our bodies to hustle, hustle, and hustle, but guess what? That is a sure way to get burned out. What happens to our productivity then? We get the job done on time, but is it really our best work?
While it may be easier to pull all-nighters and work 80 hours a week to make the deadlines for now, it’s not sustainable in the long term. Our bodies need time to rest and recuperate, to regenerate and strengthen for the years ahead. Now if you are thinking, “Well, Tanya, it’s easy to say that, but we have so much work, so many deadlines – there is no way I can slow down!” I can relate. Some of you see me respond to your emails at 2 am, so I shouldn’t be the one saying don’t hustle or work long hours. Go and do that if you must. Just do it in a way that doesn’t burn you out.
These are a few things that usually work for me when I feel I’m at the cusp of depletion.
- Hygge – I believe in hygge with all my heart! It is not just about incorporating an activity to rest and reenergize or some method in your schedule to optimize yourself; it is a way of being. It is finding comfort in being present in this very moment.1 Take a deep breath, take in that light coming through your window, the wind caressing your skin, the sound of pages turning, the tapping of the keyboard – be present. Be grateful for all that you have, and let go of the worries for a moment.
- Movement – Let’s stretch… right now. Move your neck… your hands… flex your fingers… your toes… let go of all the tension that’s built up in your body. Do these little mindful movements whenever you can. Hum a tune or make weird noises, move your vocal cords, tap your feet, and mix it with hygge! Imagine this burst of happy energy exuding out of you. That’s what your staff and patients see.
- Enso – Have you seen those unfinished circles made with single brushstrokes? Why wouldn’t the artist finish the ring? Did he run out of ink? Probably, that’s how someone in their wisdom discovered and taught us about Enso – a philosophy from Zen Buddhism.2 Enso is the symbol that suggests imperfection is an inherent part of our existence. Things will always be up and down, but knowing that we can’t control everything, again brings in that sense of comfort, our hygge.
Feeling better? Isn’t it refreshing to slow down for just a bit? To consciously take it all in and then let go. Try doing this for a week, and I promise you, you will feel slightly happier each day. These bits of slow moments will ground you and give you the energy you need to hustle and advance in your career, relationships, and life in general. Being healthy in body and mind will automatically increase your efficiency and productivity. I hope this helped you, and to thank me, all you have to do is smile.
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About the Author
Tanya Arora is the Managing Editor for the Oral Health Group. A dentist from India who emigrated not too long ago and has found a home in the Canadian dental industry. Someone with strong core ideas and values, you can almost always find her thinking about some mystery of the universe or an ancient philosophy that she can apply to her work. Feel free to reach out to her at tanya@newcom.ca if you’d like to collab with or write for the Oral Health Group.
