Here is the perfect solution- a website that now allows you to donate money to charity for every hour you spend slacking off browsing on the internet or on your favourite time-wasting site.
Sounds great but I would be worried about why we feel guilty for spending time relaxing or doing something we enjoy? Have we got that results driven that we no longer feel we are able to just do nothing?
There are immeasurable benefits to relaxing and winding down and doing something that works the mind in completely different ways than what it is used to. And do we feel that doing 'nothing' is slacking? Is it the same thing? Like reading a book? Or flicking through a recipe book? Or watching a tv show? Or browsing a website? Or is it just that we are slacking if we do those things when we are meant to be doing something else more worthwhile?
My argument is that those nothing or slacking activities are just as valuable in allowing oursleves time to switch off, to relax and enjoy the things that make us happy. No matter at what point in the day it occurs. They also help to re-focus the mind for better concentration when we need it again for work.
Studies done in workplaces where facilities are provided for staff, such as a pool table, gym area, and t.v's have shown that productivity increased, along with morale and employee loyalty. Workers managed their work and relaxation time more effectively when it was provided on-tap as opposed to leisure time competing with their job.
There have also been studies done in workplaces that allow workers to manage their time and jobs so that the focus is on outcome rather than getting there in a prescriptive manner. When given a bit more autonomy, projects are completed quicker and to a higher level than if the job is micro-managed to the n-th degree.
Other studies have also shown that workers who have definite lunch breaks away from the desk or who even just eat somewere else in the workplace, work more effectivley than those who eat at their work space and continue working. And if you can get outside, even better- getting some sunlight or daylight during your day increase your work functioning when you return back to it.
There is a balance to be reached of course but I am against feeling guilty for doing things that we enjoy; participating in any activity that recharges our batteries and keeps us focussed and enthusiastic and productive must be seen as worthwhile.
What do you think? Should we feel it necessary to have a pay-off for our supposedly 'guilty pleasures'? How do you balance your leisure activities against your work? Comment below or visit the forum on the website for more discussion.
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