I am Yoshida, president of Yamada Shusei Ltd., a professional apparel clothing repair group in Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture.
Last month, I got a little sick and a friend of mine gave me some advice about "rest skills". I am reminded that taking a conscious rest is also a "skill" that managers should acquire. Especially since it is said that Japanese managers have a hard time taking time off, even from a global perspective.
Rest Skills for Managers
Managers struggle daily to grow their companies, but at the same time it is important to maintain their own health and mental health. For managers, "rest" needs to be thought of as a skill to restore one's energy, not just as a way to take a break.
Reasons why we are not good at "taking a break"
1) Efficiency Trap: We are so intent on getting the job done efficiently that we feel guilty about zoning out or taking detours. However, dawdling and detours have the merit of generating ideas and inspiration.
(2) Work and holiday order: We tend to think of holidays as days to prepare for weekdays. However, the correct master-slave relationship is not to rest for the sake of work, but to work for the sake of rest. Enjoying holidays enhances motivation and performance at work.
(3) Bound by the time to get up: You think you have to wake up and go to bed. However, by sleeping as much as you want and getting up as late as you want, your head will be clear and you can concentrate on your work. Waking up with an alarm interferes with the natural sleep cycle.
Tips to improve your rest
1) Create time to zone out: Make sure you don't overdo your input and output outside of work. The time to zone out is an opportunity to face yourself and look at the big picture. To make time for zoning out, get away from your phone, computer, and other digital devices, or engage in relaxing activities such as walking or meditation.
2) Use your days off for yourself: Instead of preparing for work on your days off so that work goes smoothly during the week, conversely, enjoy your days off by completing your work efficiently during the week. Immerse yourself in your own interests and hobbies on your days off, or spend time with friends and family. Using your days off for yourself will increase your satisfaction and passion for your work.
3) Sleep without an alarm: Try sleeping without an alarm, at least on your days off. If you wake up naturally, try to get up right away. By sleeping without an alarm, you can refresh yourself according to your own sleep cycle. Of course, it is best if you can sleep without waking up on weekdays as well, but if that is difficult, at least try it on your days off.
I am ashamed to say that I myself am in the process of learning "rest skills," but I would like to make improvements by realizing that management's own physical and mental health will also lead to "increased productivity," "improved quality of work," and "promotion of social participation and consumption activities".
