Work Hard, Play Hard!
This ubiquitous line has endured enough play to become something of a gospel truth these days. If taken at the line’s literal core, however, there isn’t much room left for rest.
The very idea of rest has become a topic of much focus. One glance at the top of the New York Time’s Nonfiction Best Sellers list reveals Ariana Huffington’s new tome, The Sleep Revolution. The book takes a good, hard look at what science has to say about developing better sleep habits, and the resulting benefits from doing so.
Claire Diaz-Ortiz, an early Twitter employee and perhaps best known as the woman who got the Pope on Twitter, shares unapologetically about her need for sleep. In addition to her success at Twitter, Diaz-Ortiz also travels over 100,000 miles annually to speak and consult, and serves as a LinkedIn Influencer. And she happens to sleep roughly ten hours a night.
Simply put, the less sleep you get, the less productive you are. The idea that burning the midnight oil over and over yields positive results is both antiquated and incorrect.
So what, then, are workaholics to do?
Slowing down, reducing your pace, and getting more rest don’t just happen. Any lifestyle change requires a plan. For a new habit to be created, it helps to write your goal down, enlist some help in the form of personal accountability, and develop some good old-fashioned resolve.

Listen To Your Body

When we listen to our bodies, good things generally happen. If your body says “slow down,” you should slow down. And if your body says, “I need exercise,” that’s pretty good advice to follow as well. Sometimes your body tells you it’s time to eat, and sometimes when it’s time to stop. Give your body, mind, and soul what it needs and it will give you what you need.

A Vitamin A Day Keeps The….Or Something Like That

For those go-go-go people, vitamins are essential dietary supplements. While maintaining a never ending break-neck pace is never recommended, there are times when personal responsibilities require extra effort.
Typically, less rest and quick meals accompany those periods. And since sickness can capitalize on that opportunity, taking a doctor recommended vitamin could help compensate for some of what you’re missing.

Me Time

Spending time alone is important for most people. What you do during that time really depends on the kind of person you are. For some, this means planning to go for a run, doing some gardening, or wandering down to your favorite bookstore or coffee shop.
For others, this might mean just lounging around and doing absolutely nothing. Whatever your particular persuasion, blocking time on your calendar is key to ensuring your time alone.
If you are a single parent, or simply have a lifestyle that places incredible demands on your time, ask for help. You need time to decompress to be at your best.

Time For Some Vaca

Going away, seeing new places, and taking in new experiences can do wonders. Just getting away from your day-to-day routine can have a transformative impact on your productivity and outlook. You don’t have to go to Tahiti either – although if you’re so inclined, please do!
Less expensive trips can help accomplish the same objective. It isn’t necessarily the distance traveled, or the star-rating of the chosen accommodation that matters most. Unplugging, ideally, with those you love will make a huge difference!
So spend some time on yourself. The investment comes with great returns and no one ever said they wished they would have spent more time working at the end of their life. If you really want to THRIVE, then make a plan to do just that.