Switching off vs. Always on - in these fast-moving times it is often not easy to switch off. Chronic overload threatens and limits our performance. How regular breaks and increased attentiveness help to increase the energy level can be read here.
Go slow to go fast
With more mindfulness to a better balance
Digitalisation, constant accessibility, the dynamic change of the markets and an extremely high volatility of our environment - the world around us seems to turn faster and faster and we go along with it. Does this really make us more productive?
A healthy balance between activation and regeneration
«Go slow to go fast» - There are numerous scientific papers dealing with balance and chronobiology in connection with well-being and health. It is obvious that the basic principle of human life is a good balance between activation - this includes our private activities as well as activities at work - and breaks in which we replenish our resources. This is particularly successful in sleep.
However, studies show that about 50% of people have poor sleep quality or sleep problems. Exhaustion increases because fewer breaks are taken during the day and at the same time our system loses the ability to switch to regeneration mode. We are permanently active – but even small breaks have a considerable influence on our energy balance. And a good energy level ultimately ensures that we can work with greater concentration.
Here you can learn from competitive sports. Particularly good athletes are not only characterised by a high training workload, but are also able to regenerate quickly and in a high quality. In the meantime, there are objective measuring methods for the quality of recovery and the intensity of stress.
Exciting results are coming to light, because many people believe that they are very capable and have a good energy level - despite constant stress. However, the results usually show a significant loss of balance.
Switching off vs. Always on
Chronic, long-term stress means that the body can no longer switch off. The «button» exists, but it no longer works properly. Reactivating it should be most importance to us, because neuroscientific studies show that our brain can only work in a concentrated way for a maximum of 60 to 90 minutes at a time - after that it is time for a break.
Therefore, a key to a healthy balance lies in a mindful being and attitude. What is my inner rhythm? When can I concentrate best? In the morning or in the evening? Accordingly, we can, as far as possible, better distribute our light activities and activities that require a high level of concentration over certain time slots.
In addition, it is also important to understand sleep as an important, sensitive construct. About 1-2 hours before going to bed we should avoid stress. This includes intensive sports activities such as jogging in the evening. Alcohol also reduces our sleep quality, as does heavy eating in the evening.
In order to find our own balance we have to listen to our body - when do I need a break and when am I particularly efficient? This mindful awareness helps us to make conscious decisions, to sharpen our perception. This training of perception can be supported by regular breathing and mindfulness exercises. If we succeed in re-establishing this body-mind connection, we can draw new strength from our regained ability to regenerate (regeneration).
Start where you are!
Use what you have!
Do what you can!