Have you ever been so busy with work, school or other activities that you never had time to rest? how did you feel?
Recent research has shown that that people perform better at work and in life if they practice strategic renewal. When you are tired and worn out, you are more prone to getting sick and missing work days.
Rest is an essential component of working well and working smart. You can enjoy rest properly and be more refreshed and restored if you become more intentional about it and work or setting time aside for adequate rest.
Try to get enough sleep during the week, scheduling daytime workouts, eat healthy foods, and enjoy rest and relaxation away from the office with your team members whenever possible. Try out other fun activities to help the brain focus less on work.
What happens when you do not get enough rest
Health problems associated with lack of rest includes
- Headache
- Muscle pain or tension
- Fatigue/ tiredness
- Low sex drive
- Stomach ulcers
- Sleep disturbance
- Chest pain
Some mood disturbances associated with lack of rest include
- Poor concentration
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Decreased motivation
- Feel overwhelmed
- Sadness/ depression
- Social withdrawal
- Anger and irritability
Some important benefits of rest include
- It helps restores your energy: You need to recharge you batteries in order perform at your peak throughout the day. Rest and relaxation is part of your work cycle and taking advantage of it whenever possible will improve your productivity.
- Repairs your body: When we rest, the bodies repair itself from daily wear and tear. so to feel better and function optimally, rest is essential. When we relax, we reduces stress and improves overall health.
- You concentrate more: When we don’t rest the brain is tired and when the brain is tired, you find it difficult to focus. This might cause losses at work due to poor concentration. Sometimes, you have to quiet your thoughts and letting your mind rest is part of the healing process.
- Improves your mood: When you are tired you feel grumpy, get easily irritated and can lash-out on anyone even in the slightest provocation. Relaxation makes you feel happier.
- You are more creative: Too much stress and activity often disconnect you from your creative potential. Resting helps you stay innovative and bring fresh and unique ideas.
- Enhances Decision Making
Types of rest you need
1. Physical Rest
When you are physically exhausted, its hard to leave the eyes open. every little activity feels like so much work.
SOLUTION: The best solution is getting some sleep to help you concentrate and function better. You can also try out some restorative activities like yoga, taking some deep breath stretching and massage therapy which can help improve the body’s circulation and flexibility.
2. Mental Rest
This type of rest is usually experience during the end of the day. Once you start being irritable, forgetful, and finding it difficult to concentrate, then you probably need a brain rest. You can also be reading something and you have to go over it repeatedly and still do not understand it.
SOLUTION: The next time you need a mental break, turn off your screens and take a few moments to yourself. You might try meditation.
3. Creative Rest
Some line of work requires a lot of creativity and creative thinking. If you have this type of Job, the best option is find time to rest.
SOLUTION: Take a break by going on a walk in nature, going to the beach, or reading a book. Surrounding yourself with inspiration can help replenish your drained resources this will help you take the pressure to create off your mind.
4. Sensory Rest
Have you noticed that Bright lights, computer screens, background noise and multiple conversations whether in the office or on Zoom calls can cause you to feel overwhelmed? This is called sensory stress.
This is one of the most prevalent drainers judging from the fact that almost everyone has a gadget and thus, are exposed to the common causative agent.
SOLUTION: The best solution is to simply close your eyes for a minute in the middle of the day, as well as by intentionally unplugging from electronics at the end of every day.
Also, put aside the technology and step outside for fresh air or read a book if you’re able to do so.
5. Emotional Rest
This occurs when we fail to differentiate between those relationships that revive us and those that exhaust us. Some relationships can be very exhausting and toxic. Learn how to distance your self from toxic relationships which can be draining. Life also can be exausting.
SOLUTION: Cut off from or avoid toxic people. You can also get some emotional rest by talking about how you feels to a willing listener, this will prevent emotional build up.
Also, scheduling regular therapy sessions could help, you can try that if you other options don’t help.
Ensure you always make out time to rest to ensure productivity.
