Recommended Reading: Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang
Taking a break to indulge in a different activity is commonly misconceived as a diversion from productivity. However, intertwining activities like side hustles, hobbies, and various forms of interleaving can be an incredible source of energy, innovation, and a safeguard against burnout. The key is to understand that variation in your daily routine isn’t just a break from work; it’s an integral part of a successful, sustainable work-life balance.
Side hustles are often seen as just an extra source of income. However, they serve a much grander purpose. Engaging in a side hustle that you are passionate about can re-ignite creativity, enhance your problem-solving skills, and offer a fresh perspective on your primary work. The change in routine can rejuvenate your mind, enabling you to return to your primary job with renewed vigor and a fresh set of eyes.
Interleaving, or the practice of switching between different tasks or types of content, is another powerful tool. This approach prevents the stagnation of ideas and keeps the brain actively engaged. By interspersing work tasks with different, seemingly unrelated activities, you stimulate different parts of the brain, fostering creative thinking and diverse problem-solving approaches.
Hobbies play a crucial role in this ecosystem of variation. Engaging in a hobby can act as a mental reset, giving your brain the much-needed downtime to process and reflect subconsciously on work-related issues. Hobbies provide an outlet for stress, reduce the risk of burnout, and often lead to a state of flow, where time seems to stand still, and you are entirely engrossed in the activity at hand.
Variation in your routine is essential not just for preventing burnout but also for fostering personal growth. By stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing new experiences, you expose yourself to new ideas and perspectives. This exposure is invaluable for thinking diversely and cultivating a rich, multifaceted approach to life and work.
It’s important to note that these activities should not be pursued with the sole intention of improving work performance. They should be genuinely enjoyable and fulfilling in their own right. The benefits to work and personal well-being are a natural byproduct of engaging in these activities authentically and wholeheartedly.
In conclusion, taking a break to do something different is far from a diversion. It’s a strategic approach to work and life that embraces the principles of side hustles, interleaving, hobbies, variation, preventing burnout, and thinking diversely. By integrating these principles into your routine, you can transform your breaks into a source of energy, innovation, and sustainable productivity. Embrace the power of a break, and watch as it transforms not just your work, but your entire approach to life.
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