Right now imagining an opposite world could be quite appealing. If the uncertainty of structures, the pressure of increasing demand or the overwhelm of keeping your head above water are exhausting and draining you of all energy, motivation or engagement then imagining a completely different life or world could be a dream you wish could come true.

In this week’s podcast, we explore that state of survival and getting through the day, let alone the week. When it can feel like that where do you start - so we talk about the first step is to notice where you are at. What are your energy levels? How are you feeling? How much is in the tank? There are a number of ways to do this and we explore a few of them in the podcast.

One of the ideas that we know supports energy, engagement and wellbeing in high-pressured roles is that of having an opposite world. Less the dreamy wish of a different life but an energising restorative activity.

The opposite world I’m referencing came from research that Nick Petrie conducted when looking at people who perform at high levels without burning out.

In this LinkedIn post, he shares examples including the investment banker who took up quilting or the product manager at Amazon who learnt to dance – Argentinian Tango dancing to be precise.

An opposite world is an activity or hobby that puts you into a setting that is the direct opposite of your mindset at work – and subsequently recharges them.

I interviewed Nick for a Te Whatu Ora webinar and this idea resonated incredibly with the listeners. When interviewing subsequent guests or discussing well-being or burnout – opposite worlds including knitting, ocean swimming or beekeeping.

If work is targets, performance and emails – what is the opposite of that world? I used to think gardening was my opposite world – but when I was digging up weeds all I could think about was how much like work gardening is. You can’t let anything slide for too long, you always have to keep things on track, good things take time. Now I enjoy gardening and I particularly enjoy sitting in my garden admiring the work with a refreshing drink in hand, but the doing resonates and reminds me of work, work projects and challenges – not the opposite world. If work feels competitive for you – then a competitive hobby isn’t going to create the opposite mindset.

Nick’s research classified 6 zones of opposite worlds:

• Physical exercise

• Artistic

• Nature

• Animals

• Volunteering

• Home tasks

Which zones appeal or look energising to you?

It’s worth the time to experiment and explore what outside of work energises you. Maybe exploring a hobby or activity you had as a child or growing up. Finding and spending time in your opposite world will support your energy to manage in the uncertain and challenging environment right now.

There are a couple of caveats I want to add to this:

Firstly, this doesn’t let organisations off the hook in regards to creating the environment, workloads and systems that support and enable wellbeing at work. Wellbeing is part an individual responsibility and part organisational set-up and processes.

Secondly, if you are already in a state of burnout, then the right recovery for the stage you are at is important. Opposite world is a good strategy for preventing burnout and it can be something to explore as you are recovering, but if you are at rock bottom right now, then please get the help, support and recovery that is appropriate for you right now.