Hello, this is Margo Rose, of Body Aware Grieving. And I’d like to do an audio version today of one of our newest posts called “How To Feel More Productive.” Most of us are so busy trying to earn money or doing chores that we don’t leave time for play relaxation or mourning when necessary. Does that mean we actually work all the time? Probably not. What does it mean to be productive? How often are you at work, but find yourself checking your friend’s status updates on Facebook? Do you find yourself feeling sad or even crying in the car sometimes, on the weekend, do you tell yourself to reorganize the closet, get choose to take a nap, or watch a football game instead?
Many of us get frustrated when it seems like time just slips away and we are not being productive. One way to increase our sense of accomplishment each day is to understand where the hours are going. We can also give ourselves credit for succeeding at other goals beyond just earning money or keeping the house clean. Let’s put each choice we make per day in one of the following categories.
Relaxation, like watching TV, watching movies, extra sleep, reading a book, or checking your favorite websites. Play, visiting with friends, enjoying a hobby, creating or appreciating art and music. Work and Chores, earning money contributing within our family or community daily tasks like cooking and cleaning.
Commemoration, honoring loved ones who’s passed away, removing any disappointments in our lives. Unexpected tasks, traffic jams, dealing with technological problems or helping a friend and crisis. These examples listed above are just suggestions. Of course, each person’s idea of what constitutes playwork, relaxation, or commemoration varies based on their personality and circumstances. So your list will be customized to the details and desires that are specific to you.
Let’s go back to the examples at the beginning of this article. We talked about a person who was checking Facebook at their jobs, a failure by work standards perhaps, and achievement in the play category. If they allow themselves time to indulge their natural desire to have fun more often, they may find it easier to concentrate at their job when necessary. Someone who is sad or crying is likely grieving a loss an important part of regaining their strength. A better idea would be for them to stop driving even for a few minutes, and allow the profound feelings they’re having to pass.
As for the person who wanted to take a nap instead of cleaning out the closet. Well, at least they succeeded at relaxation. Maybe it’ll be rested enough to organize the closet or do other chores afterward or on a different day. Perhaps the problem is not how we’re spending our time, so long as we realize which goal we are succeeding at for each activity. Instead of being disappointed with ourselves so often. Let’s realize that relaxation plays productivity, and for many of us, grieving or commemoration are all vital to our well-being as well. We need to understand that unexpected tasks and challenges are a part of life. We need to be true to be accommodated within our schedules.
Since I’m a fitness trainer, I need to throw in an extra question. What category is an exercise to you? Work, play, relaxation, commemoration, or unexpected tasks? Do you agree or disagree with these ideas? I would love to hear your opinions or questions in the comment section.
Best wishes to you Margo Rose.
