It occurred to me over the last few days the number of productivity articles I see while scrolling through Facebook or in my email inbox. They say things like- how to stay productive at home, I’m sure you know to ones I’m talking about. I recently wrote a piece about hidradenitis suppurativa and maintaining my mental health throughout the Covid-19 crisis. But It seems I have missed one:
I am resting.
Being busy is part of modern life. When you have buses to catch, traffic to beat and schedules to follow, it makes sense to find ways to boost your productivity.
Right now, a lot of us must try to manage our anxiety and keep up with our work from home. Both of those things can be exhausting while dealing with a condition like Hidradenitis Suppurativa.
Pain can make you tired and anxious at the best of times but now so can the news and social media. Stress can cause flare-ups and on top of that, you are encouraged to be constantly busy.
More importantly than performance, you and I need to rest. If that means sleeping in a little later because you don’t need to commute, do it. If rest means you watch a movie or read a book, go for it. Thinking of starting a creative project? You do you.
Not only are those things restful, but they are also productive in their own ways.
When you sleep, your body heals.
Watching a movie or reading a book may help you you can escape reality and relax so it can make you feel less anxious. Creating something like art or poetry, keeps your mind active.
Moreover, to rest or to work need not be a choice between the two, you can do both. Here are some tips to ensure that you get the time you need to recuperate:
• While you make out your to-do list or plan for the day, schedule in regular breaks.
• Stretch every now and then, especially if you are working at a desk or kitchen table.
• Know when you will stop. Make sure your plan will include when you finish work.
• If you don’t work but feel as though you should be doing something, remember that you are doing something. You are healing and that means conserving energy, you are in fact very busy.
Rest is not inaction. It’s a practice vital to survival, healing, wellbeing and yes, productivity too
Author Bio
Shannon is a psychology and sociology student from Ireland. She is also living with HS and has a keen interest in lifestyle, wellbeing, and Hidradenitis Suppurativa.
