Work Smarter, Not Longer

mkolkena — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 23:23:14 +0000

News Flash: working long hours is not good for you. But you already knew that, right? Almost every time I run an Idea Camp the group chooses ‘Work/Life Balance’ as a practice challenge. Nobody thinks long work weeks are good for life balance. Now, it turns out, there are some other reasons to work differently.A new report, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, found middle-aged workers clocking up more than 55 hours a week have poorer mental skills, including short-term memory and ability to recall words, than those working fewer than 41 hours. Extreme tiredness and stress could be as bad for the brain as smoking, according to the study.

The plot thickens. Not only is your brain fuzzier but you are increasing the chances for dementia. “The difference between employees working long hours and those working normal hours is similar in magnitude to that of smoking, a risk factor for dementia.” say the researchers.

As a person who plans to live a long and full life, I am definitely paying attention. But, what to do?

Here’s one idea: analyze your time and play to your strengths. Wondering how to do that? Look here. That’s one idea. But you’re a creative person….I bet you have an idea or two for how to spend your time more effectively.

Maggie Kolkena, Creativity Coach - Portland Oregon » Health and Creativity

Work Smarter, Not Longer