(Can’t see the video? Then try watching it at Work Happy Now)
Your time off from work is probably underutilized. You may use it to run errands or tie up loose ends, but you should be using it for your mental and physical health. A stressed out you won't be happy and productive at work if you aren't in a balanced state.
This video post talks about the importance of using your time off to its full advantage.
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Nikki and I are proud to announce our new baby boy has arrived. Photos will be coming soon. I can't wait to see the new perspectives on work happiness that will be forming over the next few years.
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Need some excellent career advice? Check out Andrea Levitt's blog, Water Cooler Wisdom.
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Karl,
A great big HUGE congratulations to you and Nikki on the birth of your son! Awesome!! And what an awesome role you'll play as father! Enjoy all the moments. And, if you haven't watched this, it is so worth viewing: http://www.theyearsareshort.com/
Sick days/personal days: something I've thought more about recently. And something I've very rarely used. What I've been thinking about has been more along the lines of using some time off to recharge the soul...
Karl, congratulations to you and Nikki! Love the post too but thrilled about the newest member of your family! Can't wait to see pictures!
Congrats to you and Nikki!
I think just knowing what you want to accomplish is a great start. It's like Alice in Wonderland. When she didn't know where she wanted to go, the direction didn't matter. Sometimes my goals for my time off work are simply be as lazy as possible and enjoy the downtime. Other times, it's to grow myself or invest in something new. It all starts with outcomes and the end in mind.
Congrats on the birth of your son!! Also can't wait to see pictures!!
I wanted to make a comment about this...because this is the one part of my work ethic that I believe in so strongly. You do need a break from work, your body and your mind tells you when it needs it. If your mind and body (due to illness/stress or just even when you don't feel like it) aren't into it, you aren't productive, you do not get any more work done and if you are ill you should stay away so that others do not get sick. I strongly believe in taking lunch...getting up and away from your desk...not even eating at your desk. You will not get that much more done. I rather come in early or work a little later than to work through lunch. Whenever I would work through lunch and/or eat at the desk, I would either not eat by being distracted with doing work, spill my food on my work, or if I really wanted to enjoy what I ate, I wouldn't get any more work done anyway. Your mind needs that small respite so it can recharge itself for the next half of the day.
Karl, congratulations. You are going to develop some new perspectives on patience that's for sure!
Your video was great. I used to average 1 sick day every 2 years. The last couple I've took more and often when I was super stressed. You are absolutely right about taking your time to get away and get a new perspective. Thanks!