Taking time for yourself is also gaining time!
In a professional world where time always seems to be lacking, the issue of well-being is often put on the back burner. "I don’t have time to take a 15-minute break," "I’m too busy to go get a massage," "How could I possibly add time for myself in my busy schedule?" – phrases we often hear, right?
However, taking time for yourself is one of the keys to being more efficient, more productive, and above all, avoiding burnout. But how can we balance well-being and performance on a daily basis? By optimizing time and freeing oneself from poor organizational habits. Here’s how.
1.Realistic, yet essential: Make time for well-being
The key to a successful balance between performance and well-being is understanding that a small investment of time in your health can yield a huge return in efficiency. A 15-minute active break, breathing exercise, or even a massage is not a waste of time but a long-term gain.
Why?
- Improved concentration: Studies show that short breaks increase cognitive efficiency. Taking 15 minutes for a wellness break, like a PSIO session or a workplace massage, can recharge your mind and allow you to return to your tasks with greater mental clarity and focus.
- Stress prevention: Regularly dedicating time to well-being reduces the risk of chronic stress. Less stress means fewer mistakes and accidents, and thus less time spent correcting problems.
2. The myth of "I don't have time":
The real time-waster is elsewhere
Often, the real waste of time isn’t in the 15 minutes you could have taken for a massage or meditation but in poor organization or lack of efficiency. Here are some concrete examples of poorly used time:
- Excessive multitasking: Constantly switching from one task to another increases mental fatigue and reduces efficiency. In fact, it extends the time needed to complete each task
- Unproductive meetings: How many times have you attended a meeting where nothing was decided? These moments represent a significant waste of time. In France, it is estimated that a manager loses an average of 31 hours per month in useless meetings (Perfony study, 2019).
- Lack of structured breaks: Not taking breaks may seem productive in the short term, but it leads to a decline in efficiency over time. A tired mind produces less effectively.
The solution is to organize your time so that it becomes an ally, not an enemy. Scheduling wellness breaks throughout your day may seem counterintuitive, but it is actually a powerful lever for boosting productivity.
3. How to optimize your time for health: The example of workplace massage
Let’s take a practical example with workplace massage. At Workzenergy, we’ve often heard employees say they don’t have time for a wellness break, even when it’s offered by the company. Yet, those who take these breaks often return with more energy, engagement, and better overall performance.
How to make it happen?
- Plan your breaks: Block out 15 minutes in your schedule for your massage, PSIO micro-nap, or relaxation session. If it’s planned, you’re less likely to forget or postpone it.
- Optimize your tasks: Manage your time around the moments when you are at your best. If you take time for your well-being, you will be more effective afterward.
- Prioritize your activities: By taking care of yourself, you are making a priority choice to perform better in tasks that truly matter.
4.The benefits of a good balance for the company: The employer/employee win-win
Investing in employee well-being has a direct impact on company productivity. Here are the benefits that employers can gain from this balance:
- Less absenteeism: Employees who feel good, mentally and physically, are less likely to fall ill or take leave due to stress or exhaustion.
- More engagement: An employee who feels supported in their well-being is more motivated and engaged in their tasks.
- Better company climate: An environment that promotes health and well-being is also a place where tensions are reduced, fostering team cohesion
Conclusion :
Taking time is also gaining time
The myth that we "don't have time" for well-being is a mental barrier that, once lifted, can lead to significant productivity gains. Taking time for yourself, whether it’s for a massage, a meditation break, or a light therapy session, is not a luxury but a necessity for better performance.
So next time you hear "I don’t have time," remember that a few minutes for your well-being today can save you hours tomorrow. .