Burnt out at work? Try the 7 types of rest.

?? Are you a top performer at work juggling multiple projects with competing priorities and constrained resources?

?? Are you a Manager leading your team, managing their goals, performance, engagement all while creating impact at work?

?? Are you an HR leader supporting teams in the organization as they navigate change, uncertainty and more?

???No matter what role you play, chances are you're feeling burnt out. According to Microsoft’s 2022 Work Trend Index— a global survey of workers across multiple industries and companies published in September 2022 — more than half of managers (53%) report feeling burned out at work.

Another study by the Harvard Business Review found that burnout can lead to a 63% increase in the likelihood of a leader leaving their current position. (Source: Harvard Business Review, 2018)?

?Why Rest could be the answer:?

Rest can be defined as a state of relaxation, rejuvenation, and recovery, where an individual takes a break from exertion, work, or any demanding activity. It involves allowing the body and mind to replenish energy, reduce stress, and restore a sense of well-being.

?When we are constantly caught in the fight or flight mode, our body stays in survival mode. When we are in survival mode, we do not heal, restore or replenish ourselves.?

That's why rest is critical in allowing the parasympathetic mode to take over and allow our body to heal.

?In a study published in the Journal of Sleep Research, researchers found that individuals who prioritize getting enough restorative sleep have higher levels of job performance, including improved decision-making, creativity, and problem-solving skills. (Source: Journal of Sleep Research, 2017)

?Additional Research published in the Journal of Applied Psychology reveals that employees who take regular breaks throughout the workday report higher levels of job satisfaction, well-being, and productivity compared to those who do not take breaks. (Source: Journal of Applied Psychology, 2014)

Go Deeper:?

Have you ever slept all weekend, and not felt recharged at all? You may need more than one type of rest.

Dr Sandra Daulton Smith wrote about the 7 types of rest we need. Read the entire article here:?https://ideas.ted.com/author/saundra-dalton-smith-md/

1. Physical Rest:?Taking time to physically rest which includes a good night’s sleep, yoga, and getting a massage.?
2. Mental Rest:?Taking short breaks in the day can energize you. Doing things like stepping away from your screen for a 5-minute walk, closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths can help.?
3. Sensory Rest:?Taking breaks from screens, constant zoom/teams meeting is critical to avoid over stimulation. Intentionally unplug all electronics at least an hour prior to sleeping can give your mind and body sensory rest.?
4. Creative Rest:?If you are the kind of person who is constantly creating, then this is for you. One of the best ways to take creative rest is to take a short walk-in nature.?
5. Emotional Rest:?Sometimes our balance of giving and receiving gets skewed, and we end up giving more. This is a good time to check in with yourself and ask - what do I need to do for myself??
6. Social Rest:?Have a busy weekend filled with social commitments? If that tires you, you probably need to take a break. OR you may be surrounded with people who are negative or constantly complaining. If so, it’s time to surround yourself with?people who uplift and energize you.
7. Spiritual Rest:?Immersing yourself in the community through volunteering or finding refuge in prayer or meditation can help you rest spiritually.?

Go even deeper:?Stephen covey has famously said, "?"If you want small changes, work on your behavior; if you want quantum-leap changes, work on your paradigms."

• What is your paradigm as it relates to rest?
• Were you taught as a child that rest equals complacency?
• Are you stuck in a toxic work culture that frowns upon rest?
• Are you stuck in the arrival fallacy? (The idea that you will rest once you have achieved something)?

Uncovering those paradigms can help move you to action.?

Call to Action:

?#Everdayleadership?is about taking action to be a great leader every day! Find at least ONE type of rest that you could benefit from and take the time this week to rest.? Assess how did you feel? What was the impact??

References:

https://ideas.ted.com/author/saundra-dalton-smith-md/

https://youtu.be/ZGNN4EPJzGk