Category: health

Defining Work

Shola A.Leave a comment

Sometimes the reason we don’t rest enough is because we undermine the amount of work we do.

It seems clear that when you have an employment that pays you to do something, then what you do is “work”. Whether or not you’re paid, you may be working. Here are other examples of work.

  • A housewife who cleans the house, cooks, and cares for her children
  • A young person volunteers their time to “help” someone else in their business
  • When you help your friend pick up his child from school

I wish I could give you a straightforward definition of work. But I don’t have any to give. Instead I offer you some suggestions to help you know when you’ve “worked”.

  1. How do you feel before activity? If you feel like you “have to” do it, then it is likely work.
  2. How do you feel during the activity? If you feel like you’re spending yourself, that is draining your energy reserves, your emotional and physical capacity, then it is likely work.
  3. How do you feel after the activity? If you feel tired whether physical, emotional or mental, then it is likely work. Rest, on the other hand, leaves you feeling energized, refreshed and replenished.

Reflect on all the ways you’re working hard. When you realize just how much it is, you may find it easier to take time to rest.

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Rest is God’s gift.

Shola A.Leave a comment

Eccl. 3:9   What gain have the workers from their toil? 10 I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with. 11 He has made everything suitable for its time; moreover he has put a sense of past and future into their minds, yet they cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live; 13 moreover, it is God’s gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil. 

The passage under focus today comes immediately after the popular verses of “there’s a time to die, a time to live…” In the verses above, the preacher (the writer of Ecclesiastes), teaches that it is God’s gift for people to eat and drink and take pleasure in their work. Verse 10 and 13 show God giving us the gift of work and the gift to enjoy work. 

There was a time I would tell myself, “if worrying was a profession, that’s the job I would do.” I had a habit of thinking so much about my past and my future. I told myself that “if I do all the extra work now, I can retire early or have a better retirement.” This kind of thinking led me to working excessively and postponing my joy till retirement.

Perhaps you are like my former self. Even if you’re not, our passage today asks us to consider the balance between work and rest. Both are gifts from God. Stop cheating yourself.

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What is your rest ethic?

Shola A.Leave a comment

You’re probably familiar with the concept of a work ethic. These are the ideals, values and principles that you live by as it relates to your work. As an example, my work ethic includes that I show up on time for my appointments, I strive for excellence in my work, and I keep my commitments.

You likely have a work ethic. Now, do you have a rest ethic? If not, it is time to design one. Your rest ethic, just like your work ethic, is the ideals, values, and principles that you live by as it relates to your rest. As an example, my rest ethic includes that I go to bed by 8pm every single day, I cook my own food at least 4 times a week, I check in with my body at least once a day, and I drink at least one full glass of water before or after I go to the bathroom.

Your rest ethic can look different from mine. In fact, my rest ethic has changed as my life and work have changed. What matters the most is that you define your rest ethic. It will help you rest more.

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Stop End-gaining

Shola A.Leave a comment

End-gaining is a term I learned from the Alexander Technique, a physical rehabilitation technique. End-gaining is when we prioritize and put all our focus on the goal that we do not pay attention to the process by which we reach that goal. Here are some examples

– You want to turn in your 10-page paper by the 11pm deadline today. You ignore the fact that you’re hungry, tired and in need of sleep.

-You’re so focused on your promotion at work that you do not mind whose toes you step on to get there.

-You’re so focused on sharing your opinion that you don’t care whose feelings get hurt in the way.

-You’re so focused on the kingdom of God, you have little respect for the earth.

-You’re so focused at the work that you’re doing on your desk that you are not paying attention to your slouched shoulders, and overall bad posture.

How else can you be end-gaining at the moment? Please find ways to stop. If you wonder whether the end justifies the means, then please consider that end-gaining may be short-changing your well-being. (And yes, that was supposed to rhyme).

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