Are you a manager who frequently stays up late thinking about work? Do you typically shut off your thoughts and unwind in the evenings, or do you tend to carry on worrying about work-related issues after hours?
If you’re like most managers, you might feel compelled to continue communicating with the office long after regular business hours have ended. You could think that working nonstop is the only way to achieve success in a leadership position because of how demanding the position is.
As a result, long after you’ve shut down your computer or left the office for the day, you find yourself thinking about a problem involving an employee, attempting to come up with a solution for a client, or making a mental to-do list.
In the fast-living world of today, where work often extends beyond the traditional 9 to 5, it’s easy for leaders to find themselves constantly tethered to their responsibilities. However, one crucial aspect that is often overlooked in the pursuit of professional success is the importance of disconnecting from work after hours. Contrary to the belief that being constantly plugged-in is a sign of dedication, taking time away from work can actually be the key to becoming a better leader.
The never-ending workday myth
First things first—the notion that being constantly glued to work makes you a superstar leader? Total myth. Sure, dedication matters, but burning the midnight oil every night? That’s a shortcut to stress, burnout, and some not-so-great decision-making.
It’s simple to fall into the trap of believing that working continuously leads to increased productivity in today’s hyper-connected society. Many of us, believing we are optimizing our performance, work late into the night, forego lunch breaks, and even bring work home with us. But this strategy may have several negative impacts on our mental and physical health as well as, eventually, our output. A few of those would be:
Diminished focus
Working continuously for long periods can cause mental exhaustion and a decrease in focus. It gets more difficult to continue producing high-quality work as the day goes on.
Burnout
Chronic overworking can lead to burnout, a state of physical and emotional exhaustion that can take a long time to heal. Burnout affects not only your productivity but also your overall health.
Stagnation in creativity
Our brains need breaks to process information, form connections, and generate original ideas. Without breaks, creativity becomes dull and uninspired.
Physical health problems
Sitting for long hours without breaks can cause physical health problems such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and musculoskeletal disorders. These conditions can impair your well-being and performance.
According to a new study that was published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, thinking about work all the time could actually hinder rather than improve your leadership abilities since it can lead to depleted mental resources.
The most effective leadership occurred on days when leaders were able to mentally switch off from work the previous evening and rejuvenate.
The importance of downtime
Let’s get real – downtime isn’t a luxury; it’s a must. Stepping away from the grind lets your brain take a breather, recharge, and come back swinging. It’s like hitting the refresh button on your mental browser. Trust us; your creativity and problem-solving skills will thank you.
Plus, it’s a stress-buster. A leader who’s well-rested can handle everything with calm and focus. So, let’s talk about the science behind why taking breaks is important for increased productivity.
The Ultradian rhythm
Our brains operate in regular cycles of about 90 minutes, called ultradian rhythms. During these cycles, our focus and energy vary. Taking 90-minute breaks aligns with this natural pattern and helps us recharge and resume work with more focus.
Restorative benefits
Short breaks offer a chance to take a mental break, stretch, and move around while working. This simple act can improve our mood, reduce our stress, and enhance our overall well-being.
Increased creativity
Breaks that activate the brain’s default mode network facilitate daydreaming and creative thinking. When we return to our tasks, this can spark creative solutions and ideas.
Enhanced productivity
Taking regular pauses allows you to stay productive all day long. You’ll discover that, in comparison to working nonstop, you can do more in less time.
Final thoughts
So, here’s the takeaway—unplugging after hours isn’t a sign of weakness or non-commitment; it’s a power move. It’s about being a smarter, more effective leader. Downtime isn’t wasted time; it’s an investment in your well-being and the success of your team.
In the journey of leadership, taking a step back from work might just be the secret ingredient you’ve been missing. So, go ahead, shut that laptop, take a break, and watch your work-life balance unfold into the break that you always deserved. Your best leadership moments might just happen outside of the office.
Here’s to becoming a better leader, one unplugged moment at a time!
(Tashia Bernardus)