I’m constantly encouraging helping professionals to rest. And, it’s a practice that’s hard for me to implement. But, I’m happy to report that, the last two weeks of July, I’ve done a fabulous job! I’m trying to allow myself to rest and recover after a busy spring and looking into a very demanding fall travel schedule. 

I want to give you three reminders that I’ve had to adopt for myself, with the hope that some of you will feel inspired. 

Rest does not mean sleep. In our performative culture, we think that rest only means sleep or napping. Sleep is definitely important, but rest goes beyond sleep. Rest means allowing your body downtime, connection, healthy foods, and periods for your nervous system to decompress. For me, this means time when I can pause to read a book before bed, enjoying my morning coffee on my patio, or taking a walk with friends. Simply put, not rushing through my day from meeting to meeting. Rather, having moments to enjoy my lunch, chat with a friend, or cut flowers. Rest is restorative work.

Rest can be different work. For me, I need time blocked on my schedule to be productive. Rest can mean a day of curriculum-planning, book-writing, and vision-creation. Instead of helping, problem-solving, and leading, I can take a step back to look at the larger view of my business and design new, innovative programs. Rest during the week might still be work for me – my team can reach me – but I’m not available to other partnering organizations. This might not feel like rest to many of you, but I LOVE what I do, and so when I can put my head down and be in creation-mode, I’m so happy. 

Rest is essential. However you look at it, rest is essential. Over and over, I hear from other helpers that they are tired and overwhelmed. That means we’re not resting enough. Remember, the cure for overwhelm is nothingness or play. Rest, in many forms, is protecting time for both. 

I’d love to know what resting looks like for you this summer. 

Oh, and if you want restoration with me and my team, I hope you’ll join us this fall for our Cards for Connection Conference in November! Cup-filling, rejuvenation coming your way!