Smelling the Roses

The research is in. And it is telling us that things we commonly referred to as "time-wasters" like walking around the block, chatting with a co-worker, watching a funny show, and smelling the roses, actually rejuvenates us and makes us sharper. This is good news in a culture that keeps telling us to multi-task, so we can do more, accomplish more, and get further ahaed.

This is good news to me. For the longest time I thought something was wrong with me, as I would lag behind without resting and rejuvenating. Ten minutes of day-dreaming, staring out at the mountain view from my window, chatting for a few minutes with a family, or watching a home renovation show on HGTV seemed to magically improve my abilities, so I was quietly stealing away for these moments.

I loved these moments, and would even laude their effects to others, but quietly, a good article on productivity and multi-tasking that would demonstrate the strengths of getting more done could sometimes make me nervous. Maybe I was missing something?

But getting ahead without refreshing yourself, they are finding, actually decreases our ability to accomplish tasks. We loose the creative edge, slow down, are less inspired with new ideas.

I have to say, I loves these people. These researchers are my dream team. There is something in rest and refreshing that really makes us feel better and more equipped. Going at full speed without a break seems to have a timer set on it. You can only do it so long, as Adriana Huffington, of The Huffington Post found when she collapsed one day and in looking for the reason why, found out it was from burning both ends of the proverbial candle at both ends for too long, with early mornings and late nights without much rest.

For me, thinking and reflecting are two of my guide posts. This time that outwardly appears idle, are the places I uncover my truth, find the pathways to take, and can find confirmation of things I think might be right.

Harvard Business School, in their study, Learning by Thinking: How Reflection Aids Performance, the lead researcher, Francesca Gino says, "Now more than ever we seem to be living lives where we're busy and overworked, and our research shows that if we'd take some time out for reflection, we might be better off."

Thank-you for Harvard Business School! This makes introverts feel much better.

Prescriptions for real people in a busy culture:

Stare out the window for 10 minutes.

Go outside for a walk on your break.

Interact with a co-worker in person about life stuff.

Reflect on what you're working or deciding on.

Sit back and drink your coffee.

Karen Cook Counselling & Therapeutic Life Coaching

Eating Disorders and Women's Issues Specialist

This is your season to learn, grow, and develop a full and deeply satisfying life.