Think working longer results in increased productivity? As it turns out, the opposite is true. While many people believe clocking in extra hours leads to better performance, at a certain point, added hours don't produce any better outcomes.
According to a recent study from Stanford University, productivity per hour significantly declines when the workweek exceeds 50 hours, and basically completely drops off after 55 hours.
Spencer Rascoff is the co-founder of Hotwire.com, has been CEO of Zillow for the last seven years and is a father of three children. He is busy — and successful — both at work and at home. However, for Mr. Rascoff, the key to success isn't pulling all-nighters or sacrificing weekends for work. Instead, dedicating his weekends to family and personal interests helps him rejuvenate and stay focused, according to Forbes.
"I never go into the office on weekends," Mr. Rascoff told Forbes. "But I do check email at night. My weekends are an important time to unplug from the day-to-day and get a chance to think more deeply about my company and my industry. Weekends are a great chance to reflect and be more introspective about bigger issues."
Like Mr. Rascoff, successful people understand the importance of taking advantage of weekends to clear their minds, satisfy personal interests and prepare for the coming week. The following 10 tips from Forbes can help working professionals keep their weekends relaxing, enjoyable and productive.
1. Disconnect. Disconnecting is one of the most important things to do on the weekends. If you can't remove yourself from constant emails and phone calls during the weekend, you are essentially working seven days a week. This prevents you from recharging and refocusing by exposing you to constant stressors. If it is unrealistic to be completely out of communication for a weekend, designate certain periods of time to check emails or voicemails. This will help relieve pent up stress without sacrificing too much free time.
2. Exercise. Using the weekends to exercise is extremely beneficial, especially for those who don't have time during the week. According to Forbes, even 10 minutes of exercise releases the stress-reducing neurotransmitter GABA. Additionally, for many folks exercise leads to introspection — many successful people use exercise as a time to come up with innovative ideas.
3. Don't over-sleep. While many people believe sleeping late is an effective way to make up for lost sleep, sleeping later than usual disturbs your circadian rhythm, which can actually lead to feeling even more tired and groggy during the day. To ensure you wake up feeling refreshed, wake up at your usual time. If you need more sleep, go to bed earlier.
4. Go after your passion. According to Forbes, indulging in a passion helps reduce stress and opens up your mind to new ways of thinking. For example, playing or listening to music, reading, writing or painting can help stimulate creativity that can benefit you during the upcoming workweek.
5. Designate time for yourself. For most people, taking days off work doesn't mean they have no responsibilities. Weekends can be busy with non-work-related tasks and events, so it is important to schedule in time for you. Ensuring you take enough time to relax or do an activity you are passionate about can yield significant rewards for your level of happiness and clarity of mind.
6. Plan outings. Studies have shown that looking forward to an event helps improve your mood, and increases pleasure during it, according to Forbes. Buying tickets to a concert, show or planning a dinner with friends are all easy ways to achieve this.
7. Limit chores. Busy weeks often mean chores are left for the weekend. However, spending Saturdays and Sundays working on chores does not leave much time for relaxing, fun or reflection. To prevent this, schedule chores realistically, and whatever doesn't get done can be rolled over to the next weekend.
8. Spend time with family. Spending quality time with family is an essential part of maintaining healthy relationships and a high quality of life. Take time on the weekends to do fun activities with family, or even just sit and talk.
9. Reflect. Deliberate weekly reflection is an important tool for improvement. According to Forbes, the weekends can serve as a time to contemplate the larger forces that influence your job and your industry. Without the daily distractions at work, this should be clearer.
10. Prepare for the next week. Spending some time on a Sunday evening planning the upcoming week can help you become more productive, as well as reduce stress.