This week, I pulled two 15 hour workdays. Aside from the fact that I am a workaholic (I know this for a fact. I took a Forbes quiz and it told me so!), I didnt want to let down my coworkers. We are all working on a huge project that needs everyone’s full attention. My car was in the shop this week, so I felt that in addition to this huge deadline coming, I had to deliver even more because I was working from home. Man, it was a hellish week. I would forget to eat anything or even have a glass of water. At one point I nearly fainted in my kicthen because I was going so hard. In the end, my focus suffered and so did my performance. I found that I was making a lot of silly mistakes in my work and had to redo a lot of stuff, thus wasting my own time. It wasnt until I put a stop to it- went to bed at a decent hour (before 4am) that I was able to wake up better, focus better. When I incorprated food and water in it, I felt like a new person.
This is a prime example of the need for all of us to be forgiving of ourselves. Dont beat yourself up over things. Most times, it isn’t as bad as you think it it. You are always your worst critic! You have to take care of yourself and give yourself time AWAY from your job. Don’t complain about work at home. Like I always tell people who work all day and then go home to gossip about work… Leave work at work!
If you’re in an office all day, spend a few minutes outside. Even if it’s walking to your mailbox, read a few letters (or bills) at your mailbox. It will help you get some fresh air. when you get home from work sit down and do NOTHING. Stare mindlessly at the tv for about half an hour, or just sit in silence or absentmindedly pet your dog or cat. They will welcome the attention and it will help you relax too. Drink some tea, take a shower, do your nails, play with your hair, DO SOMETHING for yourself!
Also, be sure to keep negative energy out of your home. I’m the type of person that attaches emotions to locations and objects. There are some songs that I can play and I will instantly remember a situation in which the song was involved. Unfortunately this happened to my home as well. I let a lot of stress and misery follow me into my sanctuary and for a long time, I didn’t feel at home in my own place. I had no one to blame but myself. I recently cleansed my house of all negative energy and now have ACTION STEPS (remember that phrase?) to prevent negativity in my home ever again. It’s a huge difference.
Sometimes, it’s necessary to turn down working late into the evening because you know you wont be able to handle it or you’re feeling overwhelmed You are human, not a machine. Take some time out of your day, week, month to take care of yourself. A broken tool can’t fix a busted machine.
