The purpose of mental fitness is to promote positive mental health. We make micro-decisions that can impact how we experience the world. Dr. Howatt, from Howatt HR, mentions that there is so much stimulation going on, we are sometimes confused on what our priorities are. We need to prioritize mental fitness to do what we can with intention to be able to charge our batteries. This means unplugging from work to recharge our batteries. We will focus on what unplugging looks like in this episode of maintaining mental fitness.
HOW CONFIDENT ARE YOU THAT YOU CAN UNPLUG FROM WORK?
We need to distract ourselves from other things than work. We need to do this to recharge our battery. Socially this is valuable as well as from an emotional and physiological perspective, it is necessary.
WHY UNPLUGGING FROM WORK IS IMPORTANT?
- For some, work is an escape because life outside of work is not how they would like it. Work is an easy escape that takes away a person’s focus and energy versus facing or dealing with life outside of work.
- When work is purposeful, rewarding and psychologically safe, it’s good for mental health. However, if work is the only thing we have, it can become all consuming. This can happen on many farms.
Consider financial health, if we work more, we show we are dedicated and have a sense of financial security. Work is a priority; it is really important. We want to contribute and add value. It can be a positive, if you enjoy your work. Setting a boundary for your work can help you become a better employee as you get space. Creating space is good but you need to be motivated to create space. With the 24/7 operations of farming, we may need to be more creative in how we achieve this. Putting energy into this practice will be very rewarding.
MOTIVATION FOR UNPLUGGING FROM WORK.
If we’re struggling with unplugging from work, we need to be clear about the reason. Is it our perception of what’s expected, our commitment, or is it because we’d rather work than do anything else?
TIPS FOR UNPLUGGING FROM WORK
We must give ourselves time and permission to unplug. You need to fully unplug not half unplug, but truly escape work to charge your battery which in turn will result in more fun, more freedom, more focus on things we care about. Work doesn’t ultimately define who we are as a human being.
Making a decision on what we want to be, takes courage today. Accepting the possibility we can do things that can help create a few more positive pleasant emotions is what mental fitness is all about.
