Work Hard, Rest Hard
Imagine we all rested as hard as we worked. I’m not just talking about sleep, but prioritising proper downtime that makes us calm, content, and able to start each day feeling energised. What would that look like?
I’ve been exploring the concept for the past few months and here’s what resting hard looks like for me:
Regularly getting out of my head
When I want to switch from work mode to rest mode I find the quickest way is to change my physical state, to get out of my head and into my body. Going for a walk, swimming, strength training, and doing breathing exercises make me more aware of my body and able to let go of work.
Making time for time off
If like me, you work for yourself or run your own business it can be hard to prioritse taking holidays. My work coach told me that by law in the UK you are entitled to 28 days holiday. I now schedule in those days so that I’m taking regular breaks and making time for rest.
Taking a break from alcohol
This might be the one you don’t like, but taking a break from drinking alcohol has improved my sleep, relationships and energy levels. It’s not easy if like me you enjoy drinking, use it as a way to cope with work pressures and it shapes most of your weekend. But it’s worth it. I feel rested, more energised and my weekends feel twice as long.
Brain workouts
If I don’t give my brain a problem to work on it creates problems for me to work on. It’s creative like that. In order to rest I sometimes need to give it some easy off-line work, Sudoko is the right level of challenge and chill for me. I also love board games and cards and will get involved whenever I have the chance. Rumikub is my current favorite.
Experiencing the real world
I love being outside it always improves my mental state whatever the weather. I’m a big fan of trees and recently learned that walking under evergreen trees can lower your blood pressure, amazing! Read the article here and then go outside!
What does resting hard look like for you? I would love to know, message me over on LinkedIn or Instagram.
