Free Days!

Free Days! What Can We Learn from Athletes

There is a lot we can learn from athletes. Recently I attended a Met game as part of our firm outing. Can you believe it, the poor Mets, lost 6-2 to the Chicago White Sox, boo hoo, though I readily admit I am a Marlins fan, lol.

It was so much fun as I had the pleasure and opportunity for the first-time meeting coworkers face to face since I work remotely. Kudos to the firm. I also began to think about the value of taking time off. Time away from work and the benefits to be derived by free days. Taking a page from our athletes on the field I am sharing some of the valuable insights and lessons I picked up from a Free Day watching the NY Mets!

Let’s begin with the importance of rest and recovery. Athletes demonstrate that rest and recovery are crucial elements of a training routine. Just as athletes need time off to allow their bodies and minds to recuperate, people in other domains/careers can benefit from taking breaks to prevent burnout, reduce stress, and maintain overall well-being.

Secondly, let’s look at balance and time management. Athletes have packed schedules with training, games, travel, and other commitments. Taking time off requires effective time management and the ability to strike a balance between training and personal life. This serves as a reminder for everyone to prioritize their time, set boundaries, and ensure they have time for rest and relaxation. Planning your week is of the utmost importance.

Are we overexerting? CPA’s have a tax season and it is grueling for the few months. Mental exhaustion is typical especially as the tax deadlines rapidly come. Just like athletes take days off to help prevent overexertion and overtraining. Similarly, in our daily lives, it's crucial to recognize when we're pushing ourselves too hard and risking physical or mental exhaustion. Taking a step back can prevent burnout and help maintain sustainable productivity. We are of no use when we are overly tired, grumpy and fatigued.

How is our mind & body connection? Athletes understand the significance of the mind & body relationship. Taking time off or Free Days not only allows physical recovery but also contributes to mental rejuvenation. This lesson reminds us of the importance of mental health and its impact on overall performance and well-being. It all begins with a healthy mind.

Of course, there is the issue of adapting to circumstances. Athletes take time off due to injuries, illnesses, or unexpected events. This adaptability highlights the importance of being flexible and resilient in the face of challenges. In life, unexpected circumstances may arise, and learning to adapt and adjust our plans is crucial for continued growth and success. As my dad would say, if you are not feeling well Jonathan, don’t be a martyr and come to work. You will make everyone else sick.

Put our Focus on the long game and optimizing performance. Athletes recognize that rest days are not setbacks but rather essential for long-term progress and performance optimization. They strategically plan rest days before important games so their performance can be optimized. In life, taking time off from certain pursuits does not mean abandoning them. It can be a strategic move to ensure sustained progress over time and prevent burnout. Aren’t that what weekends are for?

How about some self-love and wellness? Athletes prioritize self-care and wellness by taking time off. This practice encourages us to reflect on our own self-care habits and recognize the importance of maintaining our health, both physically and mentally.

I offer up the following, it’s the athlete’s dedication to their sport that inspires us to be passionate and committed to our own endeavors. Taking time off does not diminish our commitment or resolve; rather, it shows a deeper understanding of the importance of self-care and longevity in our pursuits.

Remember the following quotes:

“All work and no play make Jack a dull boy”

“Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life”

And, there are dozens of additional quotes about working too hard and or working too much.

Here is what I can say.

In our fast-paced and demanding world, it's easy to get caught up in the constant hustle and bustle of daily life. Work, work, work.?Many of us find ourselves continuously pushing the boundaries, unfortunately neglecting the importance of self-care, rest and rejuvenation. I’m not a physician but surely working too hard must lead to stress and anxiety. Taking a day off from work or some time away is a game-changer when it comes to recharging our minds, bodies, and spirits.

Learning from athletes and taking time off helps us develop a more holistic and sustainable approach to our own lives, emphasizing the significance of rest, balance, and overall wellness in achieving our goals, maintaining peak performance and ultimately living a better life.

If you are interested in my top ideas, tips and thinking for what to do on a Free Day, message me.

Enjoy the weekends,

JG

#relaxation #timeoff #athletes #PragerMetis #workaholic