The Importance of Hitting the Reset Button

Having just returned from a weekend getaway, the concept of “hitting the reset button” is fresh on my mind. Not because I took a vacation, but because I was able to temporarily focus on something that doesn’t consume the bulk of my physical, mental, and emotional energy each day (i.e. Work). Periodic breaks like this are so important that, I believe, everyone should do it. But before I get into the reasons why, it’s important each person consider what “hitting the reset button” looks like in their lives.

Each person’s WAY of hitting the reset button will differ. Personally, I love to travel, and, although not always possible, I try to schedule frequent vacations. But for some, hitting the reset button may simply mean staying home to get caught up on a project, hiking at a park, touring a museum, volunteering at an organization you’re passionate about, or something else. There is no right or wrong answer, but the point is to do something different to get away from the “daily norm.”

Also, each person’s NEED to hit the reset button will vary. Perhaps you need a break from work, like everyone does at times. Maybe hitting the rest button will enable you to temporarily remove yourself from an awkward family dynamic? Maybe you’ve actually been volunteering too much during retirement?

Think about your unique way of hitting the reset button and why you periodically need to do so. The following are some reasons I believe “hitting the reset button” is beneficial for everyone!

Focus on YOU

Upon first glance, this may seem like a very selfish thought. But in the context of our discussion, I don’t think it’s selfish at all. You see, when I work, I work hard! I give it my all. 110%! And that tends to drain me physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Hitting the reset button enables me to temporarily step away and focus on my family, friends, and other things I value. It’s not that I don’t care about my family, friends, and other things when working. But intentionally setting aside time to completely focus on these things enables me to give my body, mind, and emotions a much-needed break from work. It’s beneficial for me and my family and ultimately helps me resume work recharged and in a better state of mind.

Increase Productivity

Hitting the reset button may actually increase your productivity! Think about the last time you felt overwhelmed at work or life, in general. If you’re like me, you probably had a “to do” list a mile long and couldn’t see a light at the end of the tunnel. As a result of feeling overwhelmed, you may have struggled to prioritize the items on your “to do” list and some may have fallen through the cracks. That doesn’t sound very productive, does it?

Now, what if you were able to hit the reset button in the midst of feeling overwhelmed? To some, this seems crazy! Why would you do that in the middle of a busy season? But let me suggest this may be the time you need to hit the reset button the most. Stepping back from the task or activity that is creating anxiety could help you regain the focus necessary to return and complete the task(s) at hand. And, you may be more productive when you return since you’ve re-established your focus and are now in a better mental state to prioritize tasks!

Perhaps this idea is easier said than done. But the bottom line is sometimes the drain of feeling “too busy” can lead to decreased productivity. Hitting the reset button may enable us to temporarily relieve ourselves of that feeling, thus, leading to higher productivity upon our return.

Improve Your Overall Health

Did you know that regularly hitting the reset button has been proven to lead to the following:

• Reduced stress
• Less risk of heart disease
• Improved mental health

Step back for a minute and think about the last time you hit the reset button. Were you more physically active? Perhaps you had time to work out or go hiking? Or maybe you were more aware of the food you ate? Rather than grabbing fast food on the go, perhaps you put together a sandwich consisting of fresh ingredients?

Regardless of the specifics, I think you’ll agree we’re more likely to make better health decisions when our minds aren’t overwhelmed with thoughts regarding the current task at hand. This is one way hitting the reset button may help improve our overall health.

Ok, I get it. Hitting the reset button is difficult. Sometimes we don’t even realize we need to step away from our current situation. This brings up the importance of surrounding ourselves with individuals that hold us accountable. Talk to your spouse, family members, close friends, or whoever else you trust, and ask them to help you identify times when you need to temporarily hit the reset button.

Sure, your vacation days at work are limited, but don’t be like the majority of working Americans that leave some time on the table! Use your vacation days as a way to hit the reset button. You’ll feel better and your family, friends, and employer will also benefit from it! Take some time today to think about a specific way you may accomplish this and why you need to do it.

This post originally appeared on JGR Financial Solutions.

About the Author: This post originally appeared on JGR Financial Solutions. Justin Rush is the founder of JGR Financial Solutions, a firm committed to providing financial planning solutions that allow clients to spend time focusing on what’s most important in life. If you’d like to learn more about Justin or JGR Financial Solutions, please visit www.jgrfinancial.com.