One of the biggest myths that has caused immense harm to people’s health is the belief that the most important thing is to work hard and be productive in order to gain economic resources. This has led to some people losing their family and security due to their excessive focus on work, or even suffering from burnout syndrome due to their inability to rest.
It is only through living a balanced life, where each activity has its own space, that one can be truly productive. This means that a person must be able to care for their family, rest when necessary, and work diligently to reach their goals, all while recognizing that work is not the only essential part of life.
I am pleased that Colombian workers will be able to reduce their working hours from 48 to 42 hours a week, beginning in mid-2023 with a reduction of one hour. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Colombia is the country with the highest number of working hours per year, at 2,172 hours, which is more than Mexico (2,124), Costa Rica (1,913), and Chile (1,825).
It is essential for people’s holistic health that they make time for everything. This means having a life plan with a clear and meaningful purpose, as well as organizing one’s time and resources to make space for each activity. I am certain that a happy worker is more productive than a stressed one, so it is important to motivate and inspire people to work on their own personal development. Those who do not prioritize their well-being will not be able to produce much, regardless of how hard they work.
We all know that hard work is important for achieving success in life. But, what we often forget is that working hard is only one part of the equation. For true success, it is essential to also focus on our integral well-being.
Integral well-being is a holistic approach to health and happiness that takes into account the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of our lives. This means that in order to be truly successful, we must pay attention to all of these aspects, not just one.
Physical well-being is about taking care of our bodies. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, and getting adequate sleep. Mental well-being is about cultivating a positive attitude and outlook on life. This means taking time to meditate, practice mindfulness, and engage in activities that bring us joy. Emotional well-being is about cultivating healthy relationships and learning how to manage our emotions. This means taking the time to nurture relationships with family and friends and learning how to express our emotions in healthy ways. Spiritual well-being is about connecting to something greater than ourselves. This could mean engaging in a spiritual practice such as prayer or meditation, or simply taking the time to appreciate the beauty of nature.
When we neglect our integral well-being, we become disconnected from ourselves and our environment. This can lead to feelings of unhappiness, anxiety, and depression. It can also lead to physical health issues such as fatigue and chronic illness.
Those who do not take the time to work on their integral well-being will produce very little, even if they work a lot. This is because they will lack the energy and motivation to truly reach their goals. To be truly successful, it is essential to prioritize our integral well-being. When we take the time to nurture our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health, we become more productive and successful in all areas of our lives.
