Over Worked and Under Played?

Do you ever feel like you work too much and play too little?  If so, you’re not alone!  The average American worker takes off half as much time as the average European or Japanese worker does–12 days a year versus 25 days.  Is this a healthy plan?  John Eldredge says, “Drivenness shrinks the heart.” What do you think?

Most people limit time off because of fear, “What if I miss the deal, what if the client needs me.”  Does this fear seem worth it to you?  I’ve heard that the greatest regrets in life are not the activities to which we commit but the activities to which we omit!  Yes, you should work as unto the Lord, but don’t miss the opportunity to take PT (personal time) for refreshment and recreation for YOU! The literal definition of recreation is to create again, refresh, and reboot. Think about what your computer is like after days of heavy operation without a fresh reboot. We aren’t any different; we get sluggish, ineffective, and inefficient when we don’t take regular time off.  Plan now, while the year is young, to take one day off each month just for you; think of this as extreme self care!

For the past eight years I have blocked out every other Wednesday on my calendar. On average, I end up with 15 personal (most unpaid, so yes it does cost you something) days away per year; over the span of eight years that’s 120 days I have engaged in relaxation or adventure!  Think of the compound interest that has accumulated. During the summer I often take one of my children with me to introduce them to this “life strategy,” but usually it’s just my God and me, the greatest day of the month!