The importance of rest for leaders
We’ve all heard someone say they need to rest; you might have even said it to yourself before but what does the term really mean? And what is the importance of rest for leaders?
We’ve all heard someone say they need to rest; you might have even said it to yourself before but what does the term really mean? And what is the importance of rest for leaders?
Is it just shutting your eyes for a while and relaxing?
Is it sitting down with a cup of tea after a hectic morning?
Is it getting a full 8 hours of sleep?
Whatever it is, rest is different for everybody. However, the official definition is to ‘cease work or movement in order to relax, sleep or recover strength.’ So, in its simplest term, rest just means actively trying to give your mind and body the space and time it needs to recharge. But as a leader, how can you possibly rest? And why is it so important?
How do you define rest?
Whilst we all need sleep to re-energise and properly function each day, rest is completely unique to you. It doesn’t just mean getting in bed each night. As a leader, getting rest is vital if you want to be able to lead your team towards success.
Whether you run yourself a hot bath in the evening or sit down to binge watch your new favourite show. It’s these moments where you are still and calm that your mind and body can relax, unwind, and refresh.
When you have a minute spare today, stop and think about what it is that helps you take a step back and relax outside of work. Whatever it is, be sure to indulge in it often and enjoy the benefits rest brings.
The 3 key factors of rest that makes it SO important
As you see, rest doesn’t just mean sleeping. There are so many ways you and rest and recuperate. But what are the benefits of rest as a leader?
1. Recovery
We’ve all had that stressful day at work that’s left us with a headache. When we recognise, we are struggling mentally or physically and choose to rest, we begin to recover. And as a leader, recovery is everything. It’s your job to motivate and encourage your team. Subsequently, to do this you need to be feeling your best.
How can you be expected to start the day feeling positive and full of drive if the previous one left you stressed, tired and unable to rest? Recovery is the most important aspect of rest. That’s because without it we won’t ever be able to perform at our best.
2. Reflection
Hindsight is a wonderful thing but all too often we’re too fast paced to reap the rewards of it. However, rest gives us the chance to reflect on the previous day’s actions, attitudes, and approaches. Plus, it provides us with valuable information we can take into the next one.
3. Rekindling
There’s nothing better than waking up after a long sleep feeling refreshed. When we rest (whether it’s through sleep or not) we feel new and ready to go. It is this rekindling of motivation and strength that allows us to stand back up. It helps us to keep making progress in our lives.
If you’re a leader, you’ll know how important it is to feel this readiness. This is so your team can feed off that energy. Without the regaining of what you had before you needed to rest, you’ll always feel stuck and lethargic.
The best ways to rest as a leader
So, you know how important rest is and what it does for you but what are the best ways to rest as a leader?
Sleep – Sleep isn’t just an activity to reduce tiredness. Whilst our eyes are closed, our brain and body are still active, repairing and recharging from the previous day.
Regular Breaks – Have you ever forced yourself to keep going with a task even though you’re feeling tired, unmotivated, and deflated? Overworking will only leave you feeling worse for wear. Instead, taking regular breaks will help improve focus, attention span and keep you ready and rearing to go with your work.
Practicing Self-Care Habits – Whether it’s a facemask and a cup of hot chocolate or a walk outside in the fresh air. Prioritising yourself will allow you to explore rest and find methods that work for you and your body. If you practice something you love that gives you a sense of relaxation, you are resting your mind and picking up healthy new ways to destress.
Switch off for a bit – Putting down our phones is harder than ever in society BUT when we do, we’ve never been happier. As a leader you might feel obliged to always be consuming information. Learn to take a step back and give yourself time away from the online world. Before you can lead, you must be happy with yourself. Subsequently, the only way to achieve this is by switching off for a bit.
Has this blog helped you think differently about rest and how much attention you’re giving it?
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