“…the Rhythm of Work and Play…”
“…the rhythm of work and play…”
It’s been an hour since I made a start on my home work. So far I have tidied my desk, organised my notes into alphabetical order, made myself a cup of tea and set out my highlighters. My desk is spotless, I am settled and ready to go but I haven’t done anything. Still, I feel a false sense of accomplishment and pride at my solid hour of work even though I’m no closer to getting a decent result in my Leaving cert. Recognise yourself?
Our generation suffers from an acute form of procrastination much like Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Look where it got him! While I am not suggesting you will end up wounded fatally after a fixed fencing match, you may find yourself ‘snowed under’ with work. The secret is finding the balance.
If something needs doing, do it. There is nothing worse than putting it all on the ‘long finger’. You only make it twice as hard, leaving it hanging over you with the result that you don’t get ample opportunity to enjoy your ‘playtime’. When it comes to eating, studying, work and pleasure there is one rule I live by. I defer pleasure. It’s the only way I can face into something challenging, knowing there is a proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. By the end, not only do you have the sense of achievement eating the broccoli, but now you can enjoy the rest of your meal guilt free.
Do what’s best for you. There are some of us who can keep going for hours on end while others need a break every half an hour. If you need a break, take it. There is no point in trying to fit yourself into category A when you belong in the latter. Pace yourself and when you’re finished don’t forget to treat yourself, go for a run or watch some TV. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. You’re not going to study for six hours every day and cook the dinner and walk the dog. It’s not going to happen. One of two things will happen. You will either burn yourself out or become overwhelmed and frustrated. Again, you need to find out what you have
It’s been an hour since I made a start on my home work. So far I have tidied my desk, organised my notes into alphabetical order, made myself a cup of tea and set out my highlighters. My desk is spotless, I am settled and ready to go but I haven’t done anything. Still, I feel a false sense of accomplishment and pride at my solid hour of work even though I’m no closer to getting a decent result in my Leaving cert. Recognise yourself?
Our generation suffers from an acute form of procrastination much like Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Look where it got him! While I am not suggesting you will end up wounded fatally after a fixed fencing match, you may find yourself ‘snowed under’ with work. The secret is finding the balance.
If something needs doing, do it. There is nothing worse than putting it all on the ‘long finger’. You only make it twice as hard, leaving it hanging over you with the result that you don’t get ample opportunity to enjoy your ‘playtime’. When it comes to eating, studying, work and pleasure there is one rule I live by. I defer pleasure. It’s the only way I can face into something challenging, knowing there is a proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. By the end, not only do you have the sense of achievement eating the broccoli, but now you can enjoy the rest of your meal guilt free.
Do what’s best for you. There are some of us who can keep going for hours on end while others need a break every half an hour. If you need a break, take it. There is no point in trying to fit yourself into category A when you belong in the latter. Pace yourself and when you’re finished don’t forget to treat yourself, go for a run or watch some TV. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. You’re not going to study for six hours every day and cook the dinner and walk the dog. It’s not going to happen. One of two things will happen. You will either burn yourself out or become overwhelmed and frustrated. Again, you need to find out what you have