Balancing Work and Rest: A Productivity Perspective

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One of our brilliant founding fathers once said “Determine never to be idle… It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing.” Although this man, Thomas Jefferson, had success after success, like founding The University of Virginia, writing the Declaration of Independence, and serving as the third president of the United States of America, I don’t agree with him on this quote. I believe staying busy is important to the amount we get accomplished, but overall I think life is a balance of work and rest. I think that rest helps the worker’s overall fulfilment of life and the worker to become refocused and more productive. Granted I can see Thomas Jefferson’s side of this topic, that you may get more done, but I believe it will not …show more content…

“Beware the Bareness of a busy life.” This quote is from the philosopher, Socrates. I feel that constantly being busy could be a distraction from some of the most beautiful things in life. Ever heard the expression “Stop and smell the roses?” This expression is about the idea that busyness can cause the worker to miss some of the little joys in life. Most people get caught in routines, trying to pack our schedule as full as we can make it. I’m as guilty as any, and it has caused me to miss spending time with some of the most beautiful people in my life. Not too long ago, I became obsessed with the idea of social media. I checked it constantly, and it took away from my quality time with some really great people in my life. If I had only been more self-aware like I am now about social media, I would’ve made a change back then. Now all my social medias are in a folder on my phone, titled “Be Present.” This has helped me not make myself busy by silly posts on Facebook, compare myself to other people and their pages, and really become more self-aware about my problem of desiring an empty, busy lifestyle. I feel like it’s such an easy trap to fall into, and everyone needs to beware of what a blessing and a curse social medias can be. I think that it is important to take a break from work occasionally, rest, and

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