Is it All Well?

It’s the time of year we chart out plans and identify goals for the months ahead. Have you thought about how rest fits into your preparation for 2020?  

Author, speaker, and leadership coach Jo Saxton offered these thoughts on rest in a recent newsletter. You can get more of her wisdom by signing up to receive her newsletter on her website or following her on Facebook and Instagram. 

If your body could talk, what do you think it would tell you — and would you listen? My guess is that you might not, because I know that it’s all too common to sacrifice our own wellness amidst professional and personal responsibilities. But, what you need to remember is that wellness is a critical part of your leadership journey. 

So, today I want to talk about a four-letter word: Rest. 

It’s such a simple word, but it packs a punch and it can be something that’s darn near impossible to do well. Does anyone feel me?! 

While it can be difficult to rest physically, it can be much more difficult to rest mentally — to stop thinking about work; to stop worrying; to stop hashing over our to-do lists; to just be quiet in the present moment. 

But, I am here to tell you that this type of mental rest is essential for leaders. We need this time and space to recharge because we’re way more productive when we operate from a place of being rested and renewed — even if it feels like you’re getting behind by pressing the pause button. 

I personally know how hard it can be to rest, so here are five quick habits that have helped me cultivate some discipline around the practice: 

1. Give yourself permission to do less. This gives your mind room to breathe and offers energy and capacity to show up in other essential parts of life. 
2. Stop the distractions. Whatever is overloading your mind, step away from it — even for a few minutes. 
3. Get outside. Breathe in fresh air and get some movement and exercise to free your mind. 
4. Do something life-giving. What is soul-replenishing will vary from person to person, but your mind will be clearer and renewed as a result. 
5. Practice being present. Embrace the moment and focus on the task or the experience at hand, rather than a million other things.

If you want to further explore the topic of wellness as it relates to leadership development, refer to my Level Up Guide HERE, if you haven’t already!