Work is Good For You.

Working like a dog by KM Photography..

It’s true; work really is good for you. I’m not talking here about those 60-80 hours work-weeks that some crazy people call normal. No, I’m talking about the simple everyday demands of your daily job. The duties and tasks of business offer activity that occupies our minds and bodies, creating energy, learning and a sense of accomplishment.

I wouldn’t have believed it myself. Back in my old job, it didn’t seem like the stress and confusion that passed for our daily schedule could possibly have a hidden benefit. It was repetitive and boring, and it seemed many of the weekly changes were done more to look impressive on paper than to actually improve efficiency or work functions.

But after being out of work for quite a while I can clearly see the benefits that come with work. For one, it gives your mind something to focus on. Your mind craves input, and thrives on change. Hard to believe yes, since many of us fight change whole-heartedly, but it’s true. Our minds function best when they are full of information, purpose and have a sense of direction.

When you are home alone and you have done all the household chores, completed all your errands, and finished cleaning your closets, your mind reaches a point where it just goes blank. You loose your creativity. You’re no longer producing anything of value or receiving feedback on your growth. You feel useless and un-fulfilled. All the exercise, reading, TV and shopping in the world won’t take that feeling of emptiness away. Work gives us something we need – recognition and a chance to contribute to society.

Volunteering to help others can make a difference as well, but since this doesn’t pay the bills, and most of us have mortgages, car payments and that good ol’ gas bill, giving our time away for nothing is not an option. Work on the other hand, even work we don’t particularly love, will bring us fulfillment and the satisfaction of contributing our knowledge and skills toward a goal bigger than ourselves.

Take it from someone who has experienced it first-hand, too much un-structured free time leads to boredom, fatigue and feelings of worthlessness. Work, no matter what kind we do, gives our days meaning and adds purpose to our lives. If nothing else, it gives us a good focus for our complaining and whining and will make our home life seem that much brighter by comparison. :0)