Resting up to rise up…
When we talk about productivity, resilience, and overall wellbeing (which we do a lot around here), some focus areas instantly come to mind: time management, mindfulness, and a healthy lifestyle. However, there are two key elements that often fly under the radar — rest and surrounding yourself with the people who energise you. For all the overachieving and life hacks in the world, sometimes we just need to pull the rip chord and be with the people who make us belly laugh, who we can sit with in silence, and who reboot us without even knowing it. So today we’re talking about hitting escape and, even better, doing it with your catalyst peeps.
Rest and laughter are the most subversive acts of all. Laugh, rest, slow down.
The power of rest: more than just sleep
Rest, to many, implies a good night’s sleep. While a regular sleep schedule is pivotal to your physical health and cognitive function, rest extends beyond this sphere. It includes any activity that relaxes your mind, rejuvenates your body, and recharges your spirit. Good news for those of us who struggle to get our eight hours…rest is more than catching your zzzs.
Consistent periods of rest are paramount for your brain to function optimally. Rest periods are when your brain consolidates memories, boosts creativity, and enhances problem-solving abilities. This, in turn, translates to improved productivity in your professional and personal life.
For those panicking about not being able to take much time off, or that time off being less than restful (family holidays anyone?), taking regular breaks can bolster resilience, helping you bounce back from stressful situations. Whether it’s a day, an hour, or five minutes, we don’t have to be locked in a panic room or on a retreat to reboot.
Rest stimulates your parasympathetic nervous system — your body’s natural relaxation response. This decreases stress hormone levels, enhancing emotional regulation and mental flexibility. Whether it’s breathing exercises to chill, or boost your energy levels, random five minute mindfulness exercises or a simple stretch routine, a regular practice of just 5-10 minutes a day can be a game changer. If that’s all a bit too woo-woo, simply engaging in activities you enjoy will likely trigger the same response. Like cancelling all your meetings and sneaking off to a matinee, or finding a park to fool around barefoot in, or anything that feels like taking a pause from all the adulting and just being. Even better if you’re doing them with someone who boosts you, which leads us to…
Energising connections: the catalyst for productivity and wellbeing
We are, by nature, social beings. The people you choose to surround yourself with can significantly influence your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Encircling yourself with positive, supportive, and energising individuals can supercharge your productivity and resilience.
Being around energising people can inspire and motivate you. Their positive attitudes and high energy can rub off on you, boosting your mood and enthusiasm for tasks. Being around the people who don’t care what you look like, whether your home is spotless, and just want to lift you up is an even bigger booster. Likewise, being around energy vampires can drain you and leaving you less energised to take on the world. TP’s advice? When you’re busting out for a break, ditch the vampires and seek out your catalysts.
Take a look at your diary for the next few weeks – how many commitments are in there because you ‘felt you had to’ but really you’re dreading them. How many events will require a couple of drinks ‘just to get you through them’? Hit escape – cancel those plans and make some you really want to do with the people you want to hang out with. Or go solo, do nothing, whatever makes you feel more alive. Do you.
Remember, rest is not an indulgence; it’s a necessity. It just might look different to each of us.
Until next time take care, stay safe and be kind 🙌
As always if you have tips, tricks or feedback, share the love by contacting us. If you’ve been forwarded the High Five and want to sign up to your weekly pithy shot of piety subscribe here, and you can always join our growing community at LinkedIn Transform Perform
