In the run-up to the summer holidays, I’ve had so many conversations that make me feel people have been running at half-speed for some time, just waiting to get to the end of term finishing line.
Whether you’re planning a change of scene, focusing on more dedicated family time, or simply taking a break over the summer, it’s such an important reminder to focus on energy management and not time management.
I’ve shared insights and thinking around this topic before, but I don’t think we can talk about this enough. So, here are just a few resources and ideas that might help you really rest, recharge and recover.
One thought – pick one or two that work for you. Otherwise, you might be in danger of creating a ‘to do’ list of activities which will defeat the object entirely.
Understand and set your own boundaries
We hear this all the time, but what does it really mean and how do we do it? In a nutshell, it’s about setting expectations of ourselves and others so it’s clear what’s important to us. And, it’s about recognising and respecting other people’s boundaries too. Here are just a few examples to spark some thinking:
Reflect on what’s important to you. When I don’t have enough time at the end of my day– even just 15 minutes - to think about what’s happening tomorrow, I can start to feel anxious. That’s important to me, so I make every effort to protect that time.
Be assertive about protecting your time. This one can feel uncomfortable, especially in a work context, but putting time for breaks and lunch in your diary and making sure they happen, will make a big difference (ask someone else for support if you need it to get into your routine – see below).
Be clear when boundaries are being crossed – and why. Some folk love using email, Slack or Teams to send messages so ‘the thing’ is off their desk or their minds. Which is great for them but might not be so helpful for you as you’re overwhelmed with their ‘stuff’. Having a grown-up conversation about why this isn’t working and agreeing how you could work differently, can reduce anxiety and frustration for everyone.
Connect
I mention connection time and time again. It’s a fundamental need for us as humans. One way to build this is to ask others for support and offer it too. Whether it’s about asking a friend or partner to keep you accountable to staying off social media (and offering to do the same for them) or just making time for proper conversation and leaving your phone somewhere far away. Do it.
Do nothing
Many years ago, I heard Dr Rangan Chatterjee talk about the Default Mode Network (DMN) which “goes into overdrive” when we switch off. In his book “The Stress Solution,” he explains that the DMN is a powerful source of idea generation. Think about the ideas you get when you’re brushing your teeth or out for a walk with no distractions. Think about downtime in this way, rather than reading or watching a TV show. You’re giving your brain the opportunity to access the DMN. I promise, you will get a different perspective on things.
There is so much going on the world right now, it’s vital we make time for a proper break to fully recharge when we have the opportunity. And, by doing this for ourselves we also create the space and set an example for others to do the same.
Eat, sleep, rest, recharge and recover. Let me know what works for you.
If a conversation about recharging and maintaining your resilience and wellbeing in tricky times would be useful, I’d love to chat.
More resources that might help
For change-makers, a steer from Paul Polman: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/recharge-get-ready-paul-polman-/
If you think that rest is all about more sleep, think again
https://ideas.ted.com/the-7-types-of-rest-that-every-person-needs/
Books and a podcast from Dr Rangan Chatterjee:
The Four Pillar Plan
The Stress Solution
Image credit: Aleksandar Cvetanovic, unsplash