The worst strategy for success is to bury your head into your computer and work around the clock. This will lead to a new-economy form of depression (NEDS), and wreck your emotional quality of life.
It's hard, though. So much of our life as knowledge workers requires us to be indoors and online. At some point though, you need to step away from the computer and go outside.
A recent UK study confirms that a five minute break can lift your moods and boost your spirit. Living in Los Angeles, it's pretty easy for me to advocate going outside often. But in my experience traveling for speaking gigs, I've lifted my mood going outside on cloudy or rainy days. Nature, the outside world, has a way of connecting with us and freeing up some mind to 'live'.
Especially this Summer, do yourself a favor twice a day - take an outside break. If you are a business owner or designer, pour sunshine into your workspace as a way of bringing the outside inside. In my last book (Saving The World At Work), I documented the productivity, mood and engagement benefits of lighting. (Let The Sun Shine In)
As managers, I challenge you to monitor the head down VS outside mix of your people - and do something about it! Have a meeting or a team lunch outside.
I'm a firm believer that a little sunshine does the body good. As a matter of fact, I'm writing this comment sitting on my back deck. There's something magical that happens to your creativity when you get outside a soak up a few rays.
Great post... I'm living proof it works!!
Posted by: David Finch | May 04, 2010 at 05:59 PM