Getting the Right Amount and Type of Rest is Important for Every Leader's Success
We all reach points of burnout, exhaustion, or even just being tired — at the end of the day, at the end of the week, or at the end of a long project or stretch of work. We typically say, “I need to get some rest” or, “I just need to get some extra sleep.” Sleep and rest are not the same thing. There are differences. Saying you need to get more sleep may be true, but there are other elements of rest you need to consider, to ensure you are in your peak ready state.
Rest is the most underutilized therapy that is available to us.
Researchers have identified seven different forms of rest that we all need. None of these involve sleep specifically. In addition to these different categories of rest, there are types within these — active and passive rest. Passive = sleep, naps, sitting quietly. Active rest = yoga, participating in a fun activity.
Physical rest
Mental rest
Sensory rest
Creative rest
Emotional rest
Spiritual
Social
Rest is clearly a topic that is beginning to surface more as everyone rebounds from over a year of dealing with a significant life-changing event across the world. Reflecting on how we take care of ourselves is more important than ever. There is an excellent TEDTalk on the subject of rest and these seven areas that I highly recommend. There is a corresponding article on the TED blog page that is also well worth the read. Below is a brief look at how I see these seven forms of rest.
Physical Rest
Physical rest is what most people will be familiar with. This also where the active and passive variances are most easily identified. Taking a nap or getting extra sleep does fall into the physical rest category, and is passive. Taking care of your body with stretches, yoga, or even engaging in your favorite hobby can be part of physical rest in an active way.
Mental Rest
Mental rest can be accomplished by combining technology and stepping away from the daily rigor. Set a timer for every two hours to remind you to get away from your computer or workstation for a few minutes. In a store, this may mean taking a break and physically leaving your store and walking outside. In short, get away from your usual activities for a few moments to allow your mind to NOT be concentrated on work-only activities.
Sensory Rest
Sensory options include unplugging from everything for a few minutes. Close your eyes, cut out as much sound as possible, and enjoy the dark and quiet. You can do this anywhere you are, just by closing your eyes and the door, if you have one. If you have noise-cancelling headphones, use those without any other sounds (no music, no podcast) and close your eyes. On the drive home, turn the radio off, turn your phone off, and drive home for a few minutes in quiet. I have done this on several occasions, and it is surprising how restorative this can be.
Creative Rest
Creative rest comes from appreciating the things, especially the arts, around you. This is more of an active rest activity. Take some time to view some photos from a trip or someplace special you went. Recall the beauty from that setting, the surroundings, or the experience you were having at that time. These are ways to stimulate and rejuvenate your creative juices. Even looking at something interesting around your office, your store, or your house can be a way to get some creative rest. Beyond that, schedule time to visit art related experiences in your area. This doesn’t have to be an art museum; there are many forms of the ‘arts’ that can have this same effect. I have mentioned before my love for LEGO. If there is a LEGO show in the area, that would a very cool experience that would provide creative rest for me, maybe for you too.
Emotional Rest
Emotional rest is an interesting form of resting, and one that is likely misunderstood and hard to fully grasp or engage in. In short, I see this as being able to fully be yourself. This allows you to remove filters that sometimes feel required in certain settings. When someone asks you, ‘how you are feeling today’ the answer is sometimes, ‘not well.’ Yet often we feel as though that is not an acceptable answer. That takes a toll on us emotionally. Being able to truthfully express how we feel or a stance on a sensitive subject can be an emotional release and provide restorative benefits to individuals. Completely disconnecting for a few minutes while exercising or taking a walk to ‘be with yourself’ can be other ways to refill your emotional bucket.
How to Find Emotional Rest in an Emotionally Exhausting World
Spiritual Rest
Spiritual rest can come in many forms as well. This does not have to specifically be tied to any religious beliefs. It is about connecting beyond a surface level physical or mental connection. Meditating is a form of spiritual rest. Prayer is a form of spiritual rest. Taking a walk through nature and allowing meaningful time to appreciate the beauty surrounding you is another way to find spiritual rest. Don’t let the name be a barrier to what you can do to engage in this form of rest. You likely have some things you are already doing that would fall into this category, you just have to allow it to be a part of your restorative process.
Social Rest
Social rest comes from who you surround yourself with. If you are always around the same types of people, you will take on those traits. If you are around negative people for hours, every day, you will feel more negative. Spending time with different friends, peers, or co-workers can expose you to a large range of social engagement and help you remain more balanced. This can also be extremely energizing. I am sure you can recall an example of talking with someone who was very positive, had similar thoughts as you, and you had an interesting brainstorming session. Afterwards, you had new levels of energy, your mind was bustling with new ideas, and you felt great. That is a form of social rest.
The need for rest is not to be underestimated. Continuing to power through long days, heavy subjects, and news cycles that seem endless and negative will all take a toll on any person. It is not a badge of courage or honor to say, ‘I don’t need rest, I just push forward.’ That is a recipe for disaster for you and those around you. Exceptional leaders take care of themselves. Getting the right type of rest and the right amount across each of these categories is a central point to long-term effectiveness as a leader.
Where will you begin your rest review? And what is your plan for ensuring you are getting the right type of rest?
Additional reading: 7 Types of Rest
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