The 8 hours working model that don't work so much

ideas Jan 20, 2025

Working 8 hours a day in an office or behind a desk often doesn't support our natural rhythms and can be less effective compared to jobs that involve more physical activity, like those in cafes, restaurants, or manual labor. Our bodies and minds aren’t optimized for prolonged sedentary activity, and this can affect both physical and mental health. Here's why:

  1. Sedentarism: Prolonged sitting is a modern health issue. Sitting for hours without moving can have serious long-term consequences, such as poor posture, back and neck pain, and even a higher risk of heart disease and diabetes. Our bodies were built to move—muscles, joints, and organs work best when they're in motion. Sitting for too long reduces circulation, making you feel sluggish and affecting your overall health. Physical jobs naturally promote movement, helping avoid these issues.
  2. The Need for Fresh Air and Natural Light: Spending the day indoors without access to natural light and fresh air can drain your energy and negatively affect your mood. Research shows that exposure to sunlight boosts serotonin levels, which improves mood and helps you feel more alert. Getting outside, even for a few minutes, helps reset your body’s natural rhythm and provides much-needed oxygen, which can sharpen your focus and concentration. People who work in physical roles often benefit from these natural elements simply by being outside or moving around.
  3. Breaks to Recharge and Regain Focus: The human brain is not built to focus intensely for long periods. After 45 minutes to an hour of concentrated work, mental fatigue starts to set in, and our ability to perform declines. Taking regular breaks to step away from the desk allows your mind to relax and recharge. This prevents burnout and helps you maintain high levels of productivity and creativity. Studies show that taking a short walk or engaging in light exercise can reduce stress and boost cognitive function, helping you return to work with renewed focus and fresh ideas.
  4. Movement Fosters Creativity and Problem-Solving: Interestingly, physical activity has been shown to boost creativity. When you move, whether it's walking or stretching, it encourages blood flow to the brain and stimulates cognitive functions. Many people experience breakthroughs in creative thinking while taking a walk or doing something physical because it gives their minds a break from focused problem-solving, allowing them to make connections in a more relaxed, free-flowing way. On the other hand, sitting too long in one position can create mental blocks and lead to feelings of frustration.
  5. Social Interaction and Varied Stimuli: Jobs that involve physical activity, like those in cafes or restaurants, often expose workers to new experiences, different environments, and social interactions. These constant changes keep the mind engaged and promote emotional well-being, which also supports creativity. By contrast, a sedentary office job may lack these dynamic stimuli, leading to a more monotonous routine that can sometimes feel isolating and uninspiring.
  6. Physical Fatigue and Mental Refreshment: Ironically, physical fatigue can sometimes be less tiring than mental fatigue. After a long day of physical work, people often feel more energized mentally because the physical activity has allowed them to release stress and reset their minds. On the other hand, sitting for long periods can cause mental exhaustion, even if the physical activity level is low. A physically active job naturally provides a balance, allowing both the body and mind to stay refreshed and engaged.

In summary, jobs that involve physical movement help combat the negative effects of sedentarism by promoting circulation, offering fresh air and sunlight, encouraging breaks, fostering creativity, and providing varied experiences. Balancing work with regular movement, exposure to nature, and social interaction leads to improved well-being, sharper focus, and more creative thinking. Incorporating breaks, walks, or light physical activities into a workday can significantly enhance both productivity and mental clarity, helping us perform at our best.

Tools we need to perform better and avoid mental exhaustion

  • Incorporate Movement Into Your Day
  • Get Outside for Fresh Air and Sunlight
  • Stretch and Improve Posture
  • Mindful Breathing and Stress Management
  • Workplace Socializing and Interaction
  • Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
  • Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
  • Be Proactive About Mental Health
  • Set Clear Boundaries

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