Summary

The article advocates for scheduling personal downtime to enhance relaxation, productivity, and overall well-being.

Abstract

The article emphasizes the importance of intentionally scheduling relaxation time to improve productivity and mental health. It suggests that planned breaks are more effective than spontaneous ones, allowing individuals to reset and return to tasks with renewed creativity and focus. The author shares personal anecdotes about preferring scheduled catch-ups over impromptu calls, highlighting the value of self-care and the societal pressure to always be connected. Research from Columbia Business School and insights from psychologist Kelly McGonigal support the benefits of structured relaxation, reinforcing the idea that self-care can lead to better performance and personal satisfaction.

Opinions

The author believes in the significance of reserving time for oneself, considering it crucial for maintaining personal relationships and overall well-being.
There is a societal expectation to be constantly available, which can lead to anxiety and the need to justify personal time.
Scheduled relaxation is seen as superior to random breaks, contributing to increased productivity and calmness.
The author suggests that by prioritizing self-care, individuals can be more present and attentive during interactions with others, making them feel valued.
The article posits that taking planned breaks aligns with the natural rhythm of human productivity, which cycles between periods of intense focus and renewal.
The author encourages readers not to feel guilty about scheduling downtime or rescheduling calls, as it is a necessary aspect of self-care and personal productivity.

I Wish I Could Talk Right Now — But I’m Relaxing

Why you should embrace scheduling out your down-time

“Let’s catch up again soon,” I smiled, as I spoke into the phone.

I was chatting with a friend from New Orleans who I hadn’t spoken to in a couple of months. As we were saying our goodbyes, he chuckled into the speaker, “Yes, let’s do it. And don’t worry…I’ll make sure to schedule out my next phone call with you beforehand.”

I laughed, as a slight wave of guilt rolled over me.

While he was only poking fun, but we both knew the words held some truth.

I’ll be the first to admit — I’m not always the best at picking up impromptu calls. Even if I am free at the moment, my first inclination is to let them go to voicemail and then call back later in the day.

Contrary to how it sounds, my intention isn’t to purposefully ignore my friends and family. Of course, I value my relationships and staying connected with the people I care about — especially keeping up-to-date with what’s going on in their lives.

If someone is sharing big news, or needs a shoulder to cry on, or has pressing matters to discuss, you bet I’ll pick up the phone in an instant.

It’s just when it comes to casual check-ins, I counterintuitively prefer to schedule them out. Maybe, it’s the planner within me, or the introverted side peeking out. But I think there’s something special about reserving time each day that’s just for you.

After all — in this modern age, we’re more digitally connected than ever before. With an increasing pressure to be available at all times — both professionally and personally — many people feel anxious about justifying time to step away from their screens.

Yet, there’s significant value in putting down your phone and prioritizing self-care. You can, and should, feel validated in carving out time in your day to relax — time that you can dedicate to whatever makes you happy. After all, in order to be the best for others, don’t we first need to be the best for ourselves?

A study by The Journal of Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes found that planned relaxation time is actually better at improving productivity and making you feel calm — rather than taking quick, sporadic pauses throughout the day.

In this experiment, researchers from Columbia Business School asked participants to go between problem-solving tasks. What they found was that the participants who were given set breaks were ultimately more successful and relaxed than those who took breaks whenever they pleased. The planned breaks gave participants the opportunity to reset, so they could come back feeling more creative and rejuvenated.

In another example, Kelly McGonigal, a psychologist at Stanford University, makes the case about how moments of self-care — like taking a mid-day nap, watching a cute YouTube video, or finding entertainment in a reality TV show — can boost your energy, in turn making you feel calm, focused, and restored.

As Tony Schwartz writes in a Harvard Business Review article:

“Human beings perform best and are most productive when they alternate between periods of intense focus and intermittent renewal.”

With this in mind, don’t feel guilty about requesting advanced notice, or asking others to be cognizant of your down-time. Planned relaxation is necessary and should be prioritized, just like any other aspect of your life.

Not only will this give you peace of mind, but it will allow you to be a better listener to those you care about.

In doing so, you’ll ensure that you’re mentally present for your conversations and are able to give your full attention while speaking. Thus, you’ll make the callers on the other end feel valued, and they’ll appreciate that you reserved time in your day specifically for them.

So, don’t think twice about planning time for yourself, or asking to reschedule a call when someone’s number spontaneously flashes on your screen. If you’re doing what’s best for you, you’re doing it right.