Uptime versus Downtime

I came across a book recently suggesting all the positive reasons for fitting even more into our lives.

While I agree with some of this philosophy, by speeding up your life you can experience more, do more, earn more, buy more etc, I do have some reservations.

Technology has brought us a vast range of timesavers. It’s the how, when and why we use them we need to question. It’s absolutely great if these time-savers do give you extra time.

But it may be worth taking an objective look at some of your timesavers. Jut how much time do they really save you? It’s not just the time saved that you really need to look at; it’s what happens to that saved time that counts. If you read your newspaper online, it may be quicker than a quick ten minute read of the paper, but do you find you explore more links, get drawn in by the images and headlines, and end up spending an hour online?

I’m all for doing more, but only by being selective. I’ve discovered that my Downtime is the essential balancing factor. It’s like the two sides of a see saw. If I make time for Downtime - when I potter around, do small chores, or create something – my Uptime becomes clear, focused and results driven.

Without the Downtime, I do continue and I do achieve results – but mainly through a lot of effort, pushing myself and doing it the hard way.

Try it yourself. Plan at least a minium of two hours, but preferably four to eight hours (yes, I do know that’s almost a full day!) mid week. Now calendar the time in. If possible go somewhere nice – not the office – and do something you really enjoy. Do whatever it takes; maybe a walk on the beach, sitting on a park bench, enjoying a coffee... or a bit of retail therapy. Whatever you enjoy!

Doing the things you love to do changes and lifts your energy. It also gives your mind some space. This is the space where creativity flows. Not only have you lifted your energy, you’ve given your heart and mind a bit of room to expand; to let thoughts randomly enter and leave your mind… to allow triggers for new thoughts and ideas to roam freely. This is the time that recharges and re-energiser you. It brings in new ideas and solutions to current challenges.

If Downtime is so good for us – why don’t we do it more often? We fully understand, and are very careful about recharging our mobiles, after all not doing so can create havoc with a working day, so why are we not so good about giving ourselves Downtime to allow us to recharge? Is it just with to-days obsession to be constantly o the run? Do we feel that we are not good enough; and that keeping on fast mode will prevent the rest of the world from noticing? Or have you just accepted and gone along with the mantra “I’m so so busy”.

Oh but I work...I can actually hear you say it. Yes most of us do. In the corporate world it may be harder to get some downtime, but maybe you could allocate some Downtime at the week-end, even try getting up earlier, or allow some Downtime in the evening instead of watching television. If you give some thought to it I am sure that you will find a solution.

You’ll know when your downtime is over. It’s when you start bubbling over with energy and your next steps are really clear. Now it’s time to change gear and race into Uptime with your ideas and plans clearly formulated.

Now you’re ready to achieve anything you want…