We've collected a few recommendations from popular books that will help you find work-life balance, rest and rejuvenation.
It Doesn't Have to Be Crazy at Work, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hensson
The authors are the founder and collaborator of the well-known company Basecamp. In their first book, Rework: business without prejudice, they talked about how to build an ideal corporate culture. In this work, Jason Fryde and David Heinemeier Hensson develop the main idea of the need to create a calm working environment.
Techniques:
1. Limit work hours. 40 hours a week is enough time to work in any company. The authors advise avoiding overwork to keep energy levels high and prevent burnout.
2. Don't set unrealistic deadlines for yourself. Reject the culture of urgency and the need to provide answers immediately.
3. Implement a "Silence Policy". Basecamp employees set aside "no meetings or calls" days for themselves, which allows them to focus on tasks without distractions.
Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams, Matthew Walker
The main idea of the book: take enough time to get quality sleep. Because without it, any attempt to achieve work-life balance won't work.
Techniques:
1. Set up a regular schedule. Go to bed and get up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This will stabilize your biological clock and improve the quality of your sleep.
2. Create a comfortable environment. Your bedroom should be dark, quiet and cool. Use a sleep mask and earplugs if you need to.
3. avoid stimulants. It's best to avoid caffeine and energy drinks in the evening hours — they can disrupt the sleep cycle.
When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing, Daniel Pink
This book gives some practical advice on how to determine the right time to work and rest.
The techniques are:
1. Analyze your biorhythms. Everyone has a different biological clock — you may be an owl, a lark, or something in between. You need to schedule important tasks during your peak waking hours.
2. Divide the day into three phases: peak, slump, and recovery. Important and analytical tasks are done in the peak, less important tasks in the slump, and creative and reflective tasks in the recovery phase.
3. Take micro-breaks. Short breaks every 90 minutes are necessary to reset the brain and keep concentration levels high.
Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World, Cal Newport
Cal Newport is the author of several acclaimed bestsellers about work culture in today's world. He advises practicing digital minimalism to improve the quality of your leisure time.
Techniques:
1. Digital Detox. Newport suggests having a periodic digital detox by completely disconnecting from digital devices for a specific amount of time — such as weekends or evenings.
2. Analyze your digital habits. Conduct an audit of your device and app usage. Determine which ones are truly necessary and useful, and delete the rest.
3. Implement offline activities. Replace some of the time you spend online with reading books, walking outdoors, playing sports, or any other hobby.
Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life, Bill Burnett and Dave Evans
A book that helps readers organize themselves and their lives through journaling. The authors recommend including not only work activities in the routine, but also relaxation.
Techniques:
1. Assess your life. Do some internal research. Rank your health, work, love, and leisure on a scale of 0 to 10 to understand your current situation. Focus on the things you can really change
2. Come up with life "prototypes." These are life scenarios where you are happy and satisfied with your life. Start realizing them in small actions.
3. Reflect. Keep a journal, write down your thoughts and feelings from different life experiments. This will help you realize what really works for you.