Kathy’s Home & Garden Tips – Wasting Time Is Good For You

Years ago, most everyone worked an 8-hour day and that was pretty much it. We left work and would not give it another thought before returning the next day. Now with technology, we are reachable 24 hours a day. We feel we must work all the time! We never think of sleeping in or spending a few hours reading a book.

We need to realize that work will expand to fill the time it is given. We can spend fewer hours working and accomplish more. How often do you find yourself mindlessly staring at your inbox or checking and rechecking your business Facebook page? Much of your work overtime is not spent productively.

We need to learn how to waste time. It can de-clutter your brain and recharge your battery. But you must be proudly unproductive, and that is hard for those of us who feel guilt. Your off time must be guilt free for it to have benefits. Rushing through a movie takes away the joy. Binge-watch a TV series, but do not berate yourself that you are becoming a couch potato. Take a long walk, not a workout, and leave your phone at home! Spend time with your loved ones and turn your phone off. 

If you really need to schedule this time to waste, do it! Make sure you treat this time like you would any regular appointment. Realize this is time well spent for your psychological health. It will, in essence, make you that much more productive when it is time to work.

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH AND DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO