How do you catch your breath and find that break when needed, particularly during times of high workload and/or high stress?
Can you take 5 minutes to stop, breathe, and reset when things get a bit much?
This could be as simple as having a novel on your desk and reading a few pages, going for a short walk, stopping for a hot drink, taking your shoes off and wiggling your toes in the grass or sand.
Do you have a hobby? Do you need to take one up?
Family time is important, but having a hobby you enjoy, something you do on your own or with family/friends is also important.
It is about finding and keeping your balance.
A personal reflection from Ross Waugh:
About 12 years ago, Ross was working a lot. He was really enjoying himself, but he worked full days, most evenings, and a fair part of the weekends.
Ross’s wife, Hilary, observed that he needed to find something to do that wasn’t “work.” Friends and colleagues had suggested some options.
Photo credit: Bethany Waugh
Ross tried golf—it was good exercise and time with friends—but he wasn’t very good, so golf was more frustrating than relaxing.
Then Ross found photography again.
Although he enjoyed it as a teenager, he had not considered it a hobby in years.
So he picked up his camera again, locally and on international and domestic trips.
Ross discovered that he enjoys landscape photography.
Getting out for a walk allows him to get some exercise and maintain a level of fitness while pursuing his hobby.
Also, enjoying the beauty of landscapes helps Ross relax, reflect and switch off from work. It has been a great hobby in that regard.
How do you destress away from the office? Doing something different and out of the ordinary is important!
So, on Day 3 of the Āpōpō Congress, there will be a guided tour of Te Papa to allow you to relax, let your mind rest, and experience something new!
Below are some of Ross’s photos. Click to see the image’s larger version.
[…] Ross Waugh shared his personal story about taking up photography again to find the time to do something for himself. […]