Are you running on empty?

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes…including you” ― Anne Lamott

I’ve had a lot of conversations recently with clients about rest, or rather, their lack of it.

Of course, this isn’t an issue limited solely to business owners and founders, but there are some specific challenges that are unique to our wonderful breed, which makes prioritising rest a real struggle.

Some of the themes I’ve noticed are:?

• Obsessively driven by their ambition and the need to succeed
• The pressure to always be ‘on’ and available?
• Fear of falling behind and/or not going fast enough
• A misconception that rest equals laziness?
• Concern about showing vulnerability and their need to rest to their team and peers

All of this, coupled with our long-held values and beliefs that lurk under the surface, can mean that rest always takes a back seat in our lives, which can lead to all sorts of problems in the short and long term.?

In my experience and in the work I do with my clients, rest isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing. One person may need 8 hours of sleep a night, another 4; one might get their energy from daily runs, and another might value headspace from their daily meditation. The point is, we need to work out what works for us and then minimise any obstacles that get in the way of us making it a non-negotiable part of our lives.?

There are actually 7 types of rest that we all need:

1. Physical Rest

What is it??

Recharging the body through sufficient sleep and relaxation

Why do it??

Allows physical and mental recovery, preventing burnout in the long term?

2. Mental Rest

What is it?

Allowing our mind to unwind and disconnect from constant whirring and occupation

Why do it??

Without it, we’ll struggle to have mental clarity, solve problems and make decisions

3. Emotional Rest

What is it?

Prioritising activities that support emotional well-being to keep our stress levels in check

Why do it?

Keeps us emotionally regulated and with a positive, resilient mindset?

4. Social Rest

What is it?

Nurturing relationships and building supportive networks around us

Why do it?

Prevents feelings of loneliness and isolation and strengthens our sense of emotional support

5. Creative Rest

What is it?

Engaging in activities that inspire creativity and stimulate us?

Why do it?

Provides a break from routine and creates fresh ideas and experimentation

6. Spiritual Rest

What is it?

Finding meaning and purpose through practices such as meditation or reflection

Why do it?

Creates inner peace by connecting us back to ourselves and our values?

7. Sensory Rest

What is it??

Preventing sensory overload by limiting the stimuli around us (such as technology)

Why do it??

Promotes feelings of calm and relaxation and increases our focus and concentration too

Scores on the doors

If you were to score yourself out of 10 for each of the 7 types of rest (1 being "I never prioritise this and my tank is empty on this one", and 10 being "I consistently make this a priority and my tank feels full in this area"), what would you score yourself?

What area(s) of rest are you lacking in the most??

And what’s the one thing you could do differently, starting today, to prioritise getting more rest in this area?

We all know that rest isn’t a luxury; it’s an essential for anyone who wants to have joy and sustained success in their lives, but let’s make sure that our pursuit of success doesn’t come at the expense of our well-being.?

What will you do to make rest a non-negotiable in your life?

Want to find out more?

• Download my e-book ‘Are you in the driving seat of your life, and business?’ to gain actionable advice and support
• Book in a complimentary, confidential discovery call to discuss how we could partner together
• Follow the Infusion Insights newsletter, which is packed with advice and experience for business owners who want to scale their business and create ultimate freedom

‘Til next time.

Laura