I once believed that resting was pointless. I believed that every minute not spent working was wasted time and that perseverance was the key to success. I therefore took very few breaks and worked nonstop until I was worn out. I was among those who declared, "I'll rest when I'm dead."
Except that I did a burnout by pulling too firmly on the rope. I was unable to perform basic tasks for several weeks. Simple tasks like leaving my house, shopping, cooking, etc. seemed impossible to me. To stand up and return to a normal life, it took me several months.
I've learned from this experience that taking time off is just as important as working. Since then, I've incorporated seven different types of rest into my daily routine to take care of my body and mind while maximising the effectiveness and productivity of every hour worked. We typically associate "rest" with physical rest when we hear the word. It includes napping and sleeping as well as relaxing activities like yoga, stretching, and massages.
How to get a good night's sleep:
After meals, take a nap to restore your energy, lower your stress level, sharpen your memory, and maintain focus. Five minutes of sleep can do wonders. Pilots who took quick naps were 34% more alert than those who didn't, according to a NASA study.
Stretch frequently to keep your muscles healthy, strong, and flexible. Because they directly affect the hormones that control your mood, they also aid in reducing stress. Your body and mind will thank you for regular stretching.
The mind needs to rest; after a good break, it becomes better and sharper.
Do you frequently overthink things? Do you frequently wonder about everything to the point of exhaustion? If so, you should take a mental rest.
How to relax your mind:
Walk every day; leave your smartphone at home and take a 30-minute stroll through the woods. Take in the scenery around you, enjoy the breeze on your face, take in the sound of the birds, and allow your thoughts to wander.
Shower: Who said that you had to shower in the morning or at night? Consider taking it in the middle of the day, perhaps right after a session of deep work. After my workout at 11 a.m., I personally take a shower. It gives me the energy I need to complete my afternoon tasks.
Your senses are constantly stimulated by the bright lights of your screens, the vibrations of your smartphone, and the noise of your notifications. Your body and mind become exhausted when you are subjected to this barrage of stimuli. Thus, you must rest your senses.
How to relax your senses:
Work as much as you can away from the computer screen; brainstorm on a whiteboard, take notes in a notebook, or organise your life in a bullet journal. Utilise any chance you get to work without a screen.
Do your meetings while walking: If you can, conduct your meetings over the phone while moving rather than using Zoom to avoid being surrounded by screens.