Confession time: I was working on Sunday until 10 pm. I also had a call on Monday over dinner time.
And yet, one of the first things I tell the leaders I work with is to set boundaries around evenings and weekends, and to make sure we give ourselves breaks.
Does this make me a hypocrite? No, just a realist.
Here’s the thing: deadlines exist. Big projects that need extra hours happen. Calls are scheduled at times outside of our control.
You know it.
I know it.
And it would be disingenuous of me to say that you should NEVER work after hours, or that you should NEVER do any work on evenings and weekends.
Because sometimes you have to.
The trouble comes not when we do these things on occasion, but when they become the norm.
Our brains need a break.
We need time off from work to be at our best.
So, when the inevitable deadline or evening call comes along, do what you have to in order to get it done.
Then schedule some recovery time.
Me, I had a slow start to my morning today (and yesterday), and I took a longer lunch on Monday. I’m also blocking off some time off later in the week to make sure I’m able to stay top of my game.
Looking for ways to make your workplace a mental-health friendly place? Send me a note or book a call (link in the top right corner of the page).
