If you have ever gone to see a baseball game, there’s a climax when the umpire declares “play ball!” Suddenly, the crowd is cheering, and all the players take the field to begin the game. They get into position and begin warming up to start the inning.
The players have been preparing themselves physically and mentally for this moment. Their preparation consisted of strengthening their muscles and refining their technique, but also renewing themselves physically. It is this balance of sufficient rest and workouts that prepares them for a great season.
We often believe we need a month-long vacation to renew ourselves, or conversely, we must work 14-hour days to be productive. In fact, Harvard studies have found that even short breaks can have a tremendous impact on our well-being and ability to handle stress. Likewise, what is termed “microstress” or small bursts of high stress, can have a negative effect on us both physically and mentally. When we provide ourselves with a regular balance of relaxation and productivity, we can be at our best.
Some strategies for achieving maximum balance include small actions such as taking a 3-5 minute break to practice deep breathing, envisioning calm and relaxing environments, reading inspirational quotes, listening to music, or even stretching or jogging in place. Whenever you feel yourself becoming tense or anxious, even a few minutes of these practices can make a huge difference.
In the same way, honing our skills and being productive is important. For example, if you start to feel bored or overwhelmed, focus on one thing you can learn to increase your skills or a small accomplishment to make a difference. Having success is a great way to jump start your energy. Breaking huge tasks down into bite sized pieces will allow you to move forward.
So, let’s get out there and “play ball!”
