Working healthy
I HAVE been thinking of writing about overworking as I have heard a lot about experiencing it. Lately, I guess it was all because of the deliverables we are to submit, and the 24 hours a day is not enough to complete it. I must be true to myself that the responsibilities every day are not ending; when it is done, there will be new tasks, and deadlines are deadly.
Honestly, I enjoy doing tasks, especially when it’s about writing and speaking. I feel happy when I am trusted to do things because as I complete the tasks, I feel an abundance of joy, and no matter how hard it is, I complain less. I realized that I do not do my best when I complain, affecting my output.
But I must admit I am different from 20 years ago when I could travel from Davao to Manila to teach in the morning. And then travel from Manila to Batangas to teach in the later afternoon and then go back to Davao City the following day, early morning. I will never forget how people call me “ang babaeng kuratcha”, because I am always on the go. And even my Sundays are full of speaking engagements and writing tasks. But I never get tired because it made me more eager to do more.
I believe the desire to complete what is expected of me and the drive inside of me has never changed.
At 47 years old, I have learned to say no to things that are not healthy for me to do so. Again, I will never say no to tasks. I will deliver it to the date when it is needed, but I have learned now to take care of myself and not only to take care of my responsibilities. Most of all, I have realized I also get tired.
What do I mean? If before I slept at 1 at dawn and woke up at 5:30 a.m. to be sure I was in school for work before 7 a.m., now I have strictly conditioned my mind, body, and soul to sleep at 9 p.m. At times, I can see the reminders in my planner flashing in my mind before I close my eyes for sleep. And it will take me one hour to let go of my thoughts because my mind would like to begin the work for tomorrow. Thank God, when I get used to it, my body regains energy, and me waking up fresh and ready for another day.
Prioritizing tasks is also essential. I am not comfortable without the “to-do” list every day. And then, I evaluate what is of the highest priority, considering its deadline. But when I cannot meet my objectives in a day, I cannot help but feel sad, like I am at a funeral. Oh, I always have wished for this attitude I may change.
But I have realized that it is healthy to unwind, eat out, and spend time with our loved ones. And family relationships must not suffer due to preoccupation at work.
However, too much unwinding may also be harmful. Going out, even every day after work is alright if we meet our expected tasks. We must understand that we must not be the reason for others not completing their tasks. And to say to them that we are finishing it when we have not started even a little is a form of laziness, and it’s a lie.
The worst is that it will backfire on all, leading to a not-so-comprehensive output or report from the team.
Another is the need to eat what is right is essential. I appreciate my colleagues who can control their cravings or would choose to eat less unhealthy foods. And not to drink a cold cola. I envy those who eat at the right time for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Of these, at times, I need to be more compliant. Sadly, many are particular with mental health when overall health suffers. And physical health is not a priority.
So, getting enough sleep, prioritizing tasks, unwinding right, and eating healthy is essential to a busy working life. It is true that sometimes, our work demands are too much, that no matter how hard-working we are, our bodies would say “no” to the additional workload. But we must understand that workers respond to work demands; differently. Some would enjoy the tasks to prove themselves worthy; some would say no to work when it is impossible to deliver them; some would continue to do more even if their mental health suffers; and some will choose mental health instead of beating deadlines. So, how do you respond to work demands?
But in all of these, I believe that if tasks are tedious or new to us, we will need ample time to complete them. Planning is also best; we must choose the best people to work for a job. And people new to functions must be trained and equipped with the knowledge to motivate them to work best.
Most of all, time is needed to comply with projects. If we rush to attain our objectives, we tend to make mistakes.
Oh, how I wished I had the magic to extend the 24 hours a day.
And for those who procrastinate, I hope all will learn to prioritize tasks. Please do not make it a habit to ask for a break after accomplishing so little; try to aim to achieve more to prevent backlogs and delays.
Never be comfortable for others to wait for your outputs for them to complete theirs. Lastly, let us all wear happy smiles at work and outside work. And let us all pray to God, who gives us all the strength to do more all the time.