Hustle culture. Being available 24/7. Crunch time.
We have a breathtakingly wide variety of different digital tools available to help us in our work, to be more efficient, cost-effective and organized. These apps and tools save us time and allow us to perform our duties more efficiently.
However, they also introduce a lot of pressure and stress into our lives. As a startup or an owner of a small company, you are expected to be available in work-related matters almost around the clock. It is easy to read just one more email in the evening when your phone or smartwatch gives that familiar bing and the device is right there. Efficient and good customer-service? Maybe, but also a deviously easy road to over-glorified grind, continuous hustle and burn out.
Doomscrolling. War in Europe. Pandemic.
Add to all that how much time we spend on our devices scrolling through social media, continuous consuming of “breaking news” and the confrontational character of some social media apps, and we can easily find ourselves overwhelmed. Covid-19 forced us to adapt to new ways of remote work, online meetings and hybrid events. And no-one knows for certain what the “new normal” is going to look like.
Amidst all this, it is good to sometimes to just stop and take a timeout. As an entrepreneur, you are your most valuable asset. And you need to treat yourself accordingly! In the same way there are numerous apps for making your life more streamlined and efficient, there is a wide variety of apps and tools to help you winddown, see how your body is doing, or help you calm down after a hectic day. Furthermore, this is also a lucrative field for new, innovative solutions and a could inspire your next digital product or service.
And of course, all your devices have that mute or off button. Sometimes, it is best to leave all apps behind for a few moments and take a walk with your dog, a hike in the forest, or meditate. Spend an evening with friends to unwind; or read a good book with a glass of red wine. Whatever works for you, it is important to find ways to take a break and recharge. It is good for you, and what’s good for you is also good for your business.
Sami Uusitalo
Project Specialist
Turku Science Park Ltd
Joukahaisenkatu 3 A, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
+358 50 434 1811
sami.uusitalo@turkubusinessregion.com
www.turkubusinessregion.fi