Invest in Rest

“Rest time is not waste time. It is economy to gather fresh strength… It is wisdom to take occasional furlough. In the long run, we shall do more by sometimes doing less.” - Charles Spurgeon

"Switching off" work mode is something that I struggled to master for years. For a long time, I had a tendency of spending my down time, thinking about work related issues or matters which would result in my never fully switching off work mode. One of the reasons I believe many people find it extremely difficult to switch off during their leisure time is because:

1. We spend so much of our time at work and so naturally most of our energy and thinking is geared towards the experiences and issues we face within the workspace and,

2. Some people have a deep passion for the work that they do and have a desire to keep improving and doing better in their careers. While this passion is, inherently, a good thing; it can become, at times, a double edged sword if it causes us to not take time off to rest. This lack of resting ultimately affects our effectiveness in the work space and in our personal lives.

The pursuit of excellence in one area of our lives to the neglect of other areas can cause damage to ourselves and those around us. After numerous burnt out episodes, I have come to understand that if you desire to be most effective in the work space, then you should not neglect other areas of your life that contribute in defining who you are. In fact, part of being effective involves you taking time to fully rest during your down time and indulging in other areas of your life that define your being. Learning how you can effectively prioritise your times of rest is key in striking that work/life balance.

Saundra Dalton-Smith M.D. identifies seven areas types of rest that we should prioritise. It is important that learn to identify the type of rest that you need depending on the season of life that you are in.

1. Physical rest. This includes passive physical rest (sleeping and napping) and active physical rest (doing restorative practices such as stretching, massages, and light exercise).

2. Mental rest. Mental rest can be achieved by having short breaks throughout your workdays, releasing your brain from a sustained focus on work. Signs that you need mental rest are a loss of concentration or recurring negative thoughts.

3. Sensory rest. Our senses can get overwhelmed by bright lights, background noise, and computer screens. To catch up on sensory rest, try unplugging from technology and getting into nature for a walk/hike. Time away from the busy-ness of city life can help restore your senses.

4. Creative rest. This type of rest is especially important if you are working on solving complex problems or developing new ideas. Creative rest helps to reawaken the wonder and the ability to create inside each of us. Spending time in nature or immersing yourself in art (visual, written, motion) can help you get creative rest.

5. Emotional rest. If you find yourself easily triggered by others, you may be in need of emotional rest. This involves having space to express your feelings and being able to be authentic (not wearing any kind of “mask” to hide your true emotional state). Expressing your feelings to trusted friends, loved ones or even a counsellor can help you work through your emotions and gain clarity. Prayer journaling is also a great way to express your feelings to the Lord and gain much needed direction on you how should interact with others.

6. Social rest. We experience social rest when we surround ourselves with positive and supportive people as well as when we take time away from people. So while it is important that you invest in positive relationships; you should also take time to indulge in the positive hobbies and activities that bring your soul joy.

7. Spiritual rest. This type of rest is linked to our ability to connect to the Lord. Prayer, fasting, reading scripture or involvement in an activity that feeds our soul helps us to experience spiritual rest. If you are feeling weary of life, then the Lord offers an invitation for you to come to Him and obtain rest for your soul.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

FN

"In Him we live & breathe & have our being"