Finding balance in life is key to more productive work

Bryan Dyson, the former chief executive of Coca-Cola once said: “Work efficiently during office hours and leave on time. Give the required time to your family, friends and have proper rest.”

A good friend of mine is the textbook definition of a workaholic and the complete opposite of the above statement. When I am out with her after working hours, she is always on the phone, responding to emails or discussing something that has to do with work.

At one point, I pulled her phone away and asked her to unwind for two hours. I pointed out what she was doing was counterproductive – it could affect her productivity level in the long run as she was not giving herself a chance to relax and provide her brain with room to breathe.

What many young entrepreneurs and high achievers overlook is the importance of taking time to unwind and how important that factor is in ensuring better energy levels, something that ultimately leads to an increased productivity.

Laura Vanderkam, the author of What the Most Successful People Do on the Weekend, says that successful people know that weekends and unwinding from work are actually the secret behind professional success.

Search for the definition of success and you will fine multiple interpretations. Mark Thompson, an American business coach and speaker once asked in a seminar I attended to think about what success meant to us. His question resonated with me for days, until I came to my own definition.

Success to me is accomplishing milestones in both your professional and personal life. It is dedicating enough time to your work and equally enough time to yourself, your family and doing the things you love. Success is catering equal attention to different aspects of one’s life.

The thing that most workaholics and the ambitious do not realise is that if they dedicated enough time to unwinding, they would relax their brains, opening themselves to creativity and enough energy to tackle challenges. An exhausted brain and body is not a productive one.

So what can successful people do to unwind?

1. Make time for family and friends

Weekdays are busy for many of us, so it is important to dedicate the weekends to family and friends who you do not get to see enough of.

2. Exercise

Not only is it important to maintaining a fit body and healthy life, exercising also stimulates the mind and helps unblock the mind. When I cannot resolve an issue, I go for a walk or engage in an aerobic workout. It is amazing how body movement stimulates the mind. If you like activities, join a spinning class or a running group. Groups encourage you to exercise, and are also a great chance to network and meet people with different backgrounds.

3. Practice a hobby

Some people like to draw, while others love to play music. I like to write. Pursuing a passion creates a life-balance and could end up being an extra source of income or another way to be recognised professionally.

4. Volunteer

Join an environmental group, or dedicate time to help in an elderly care home or orphanage. Giving back feels great, and is also a good place to meet like-minded people. For those with heavy analytical and financial jobs, philanthropic work can be liberating.

5. Plan ahead

Do that on the last day of your weekend, preferably in the evening after you have dedicated time to yourself and loved ones. Plan your goals for the week ahead. This will not only save you time during the week, but will help you be more efficient and have a clear focus. If you manage a team, this will then aid them in becoming more focused and know what is expected of them.

With a heavy workload, we sometimes forget that just as it is important to get things done, we also need time for ourselves. Creating a balance not only gives you more time to relax and unwind, but also makes you more productive and focused.

Manar Al Hinai is an award-winning Emirati writer based in Abu Dhabi. Follow her on Twitter: @manar_alhinai

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