Thrive & Shine: Embracing Rest for Maximum Productivity and Wellbeing
Resting will be your secret weapon to having a great start to the second half of the year
Welcome to the second half of the year.
It’s time to rest.
In today’s fast-paced world, where the hustle culture often dominates, it’s easy to overlook the importance of rest. However, integrating rest into our work routines is crucial for maximising productivity and enhancing our overall happiness and wellbeing.
I’m a stickler for practising what I preach, and over the last couple of weeks, I’ve been actively and intentionally prioritising time to rest my mind, body and soul. This looked like having strict boundaries around work, spending time unwinding through walks, books, and exercising. Actually taking breaks whenever my mind drifted and wandered. Sleeping more, particularly around the luteal phase of my menstrual cycle. I can confirm I have been happier, healthier and more productive as a result.
Let’s explore why rest is not a luxury but a necessity.
The Power of Rest
Rest isn’t just about taking breaks; it’s about giving your mind and body the time they need to recharge and rejuvenate.
As we approach the second half of the year, taking time to rest is crucial for sustaining our momentum and achieving long-term success. Rest allows us to recharge, reflect, and reset, ensuring that we maintain high levels of productivity and creativity. It helps prevent burnout, reduces stress, and improves mental clarity, enabling us to tackle upcoming challenges with renewed energy and a fresh perspective.
By prioritising rest now, we can enter the latter part of the year feeling rejuvenated, focused, and ready to achieve our goals with greater efficiency and enthusiasm. Don’t wait until your battery drains before charging it - make a note to fill yourself up before, like your phone battery can become, you completely switch off and of no good use.
Why Should We Rest Anyways?
Contrary to popular belief, working longer hours doesn’t equate to higher productivity. Shock. Horror!
Our brains need regular breaks to maintain focus and efficiency. Rest helps prevent burnout and keeps our minds sharp, leading to higher quality work. Creative thinking flourishes when we give our brains a chance to relax. Stepping away from work can lead to new insights and innovative solutions.
Many creative breakthroughs happen during moments of rest and relaxation.
Chronic stress from overworking can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Regular rest reduces stress levels and promotes a healthier mental state, contributing to overall wellbeing.
When we prioritise rest, we feel more balanced and satisfied with our work. This balance leads to a more positive outlook on our jobs and a greater sense of fulfilment.
How to Integrate Rest into Your Work Routine
Implementing rest into your daily routine doesn’t require drastic changes. You don’t have to dramatically transform your life. There are a couple simple changes you can make which can be incredibly effective. Here are some practical strategies to help you get started:
1. Schedule Breaks
Just as you schedule meetings and tasks, schedule regular breaks throughout your day. Depending on your preference, aim for a short break every 60-90 minutes. Use this time to stretch, take a walk, or simply breathe. Of course, this depends on your working conditions and schedule, but if you can implement breaks - do so, and honour them.
3. Take Power Naps
A short nap of 10-20 minutes can significantly boost your alertness and performance. If possible, find a quiet space to recharge during your lunch break. I’m a big fan of afternoon naps when I have the privilege of working remotely, especially on the days I am particularly tired (i.e. during luteal phase menstrual cycle, or just through a full-on day.
4. Unplug After Work
Set boundaries for your work hours and stick to them. Unplugging from work-related devices after hours is crucial for mental rest and recovery. It’s so tempting to check work emails on our phone before official work hurs, or work a little bit later into the day than we should. Having hard and fast boundaries can be beneficial physiological reminders to help with getting you to a place of restfulness more quickly.
I typically only check emails 4-5 times periodically throughout the day, and certainly between work hours (between 10am and 5pm is my email window, as I neither like to start the day looking at emails, or end the day with finishing them off.) I also like to close my laptop at 6pm sharp, and unwind for the evening.
5. Prioritise Sleep
Ensure you’re getting adequate sleep each night. Quality sleep is fundamental to our cognitive functions, emotional stability, and overall health. I cannot stress enough how our culture’s normalisation of sleep deprivation is killing your success. People are often very surprised to hear that I rarely compromise on sleep. I like to get at least 7 hours, and I am usually in bed by 10pm. Sleep is one of the primary ways our bodies can rejuvenate and prepare ourselves to be our best selves.
The Connection Between Rest and Happiness
Rest plays a pivotal role in our sense of happiness and wellbeing. When we’re well-rested, we’re more likely to feel positive, energetic, and capable of handling life’s challenges. Embracing rest helps us maintain a healthier work-life balance, fostering a more fulfilling and joyful life.
Conclusion
Incorporating rest into our work lives is essential for maximising productivity, enhancing creativity, improving mental health, and increasing job satisfaction. By making rest a priority, we can achieve a healthier, more balanced, and ultimately more successful professional and personal life.
Remember, rest is not a sign of weakness but a source of strength. Embrace it, and watch how it transforms your productivity and wellbeing.
Here’s to a balanced and productive journey!
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"Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel." — Eleanor Brown