REST ISN’T INDULGENT. IT’S STRATEGIC

In our research, we sought to understand why people weren’t using their vacation time. The number one reason?

40% said “My work does not stop when I am away.”

In our fast-paced, always-on world, rest is often seen as a luxury. However, it's a critical component of peak performance. Rest enhances cognitive function, emotional resilience, and even physical health.

7 Types of Rest

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, in her book "Sacred Rest," identifies seven types of rest we all need.

1. Physical Rest: Sleep and physical restoration. This one is pretty obvious, but we still tend to glorify sleeplessness as a sign of diligence and loyalty. “I pulled an all-nighter!” Stop it.
2. Mental Rest: Mental fatigue leads to brain fog and poor decisions. Protecting time away from work is critical for mental rest. Short breaks throughout your day can also help clear your mind.
3. Emotional Rest: In a world of emotional labor, we need spaces to express feelings authentically. Find a trusted friend, therapist, or support group. Be honest about your emotions. Sometimes we feel that we have to put on a brave face at work, but reaching out for help and support is critical.
4. Social Rest: Social rest means stepping back from interactions that drain you and engaging with those who uplift you. It's quality over quantity. Schedule solo time and prioritize connections that leave you feeling energized, not exhausted. Yes, even you, introverts.
5. Sensory Rest: Our senses are bombarded daily by screens, noise, and visual clutter. Reduce this overload with tech-free times, noise-canceling headphones, or moments in nature.
6. Creative Rest: Your creative well can run dry. Refill it by appreciating beauty. Visit museums, watch sunsets, or engage in activities purely for joy, not output. Creative rest sparks innovation and problem-solving in all fields. If you find yourself dreaming about quitting your day job and making furniture, you probably have a creative rest deficit.
7. Spiritual Rest: This transcends religion. It's about connecting with something larger than yourself, finding purpose and belonging. Engage in activities that give you a sense of awe and interconnectedness.

?Rest isn't indulgent-- it's strategic

Start small. Identify your most depleted area and focus on that type of rest first. Maybe it's a weekly nature walk (sensory and spiritual rest) or a monthly coffee with a mentor (emotional and social rest). Maybe it is taking a break from your phone or turning off notifications while baking (sensory and creative rest).

Remember, rest isn't the absence of activity; it's the replenishment of your resources. In our achievement-oriented culture, rest is your competitive edge. It's not just about working hard; it's about resting right.

Lead Well,

Katherine

Katherine A. Meese, PhD

?#HumanMargin

To learn more, check out my new book with Quint Studer , The Human Margin: Building Foundations of Trust available now online.

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