What We Often Neglect

This week I have had several conversations and heard several talks that have my head spinning (in a good way). All of these conversations and messages have centered around one common theme . . . rest!

My wife and I partner with a non-profit and this week they were telling us that their founders were finally able to get a week away to rest.

I connected with a colleague who told me she had put a premium on getting eight hours of sleep per night because she knew she was not getting enough rest.

A coaching client told me he needs to cut back on his work as he is not getting his rest and is now starting to see how this is impacting other areas of his life.

My closest friend who is a pastor just led a marriage retreat and the topic was "Finding Rest in Your Marriage".

My wife and I recently returned from an 8-day trip to Costa Rica where we did nothing but rest and take in this view for hours at a time.

By no intention of my own, it has been a recurring theme for me this week and a good reminder that in order to perform at our best in all areas of our lives, we need rest.

Yet, it is one thing that we most often ignore.

If you subscribe to those who promote the hustle and grind culture that is an unfortunate part of our society you most likely believe that rest is for suckers.

However, rest is necessary and is foundational to our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. It is not just me saying it, it is a proven fact.

If you are finding that you are having trouble with your focus, if you feel stuck in a certain area of your life, if your productivity is not what it should be, if you feel like your dragging a bit, take some time and rest.

Step away from your device, get away from the noise that can so easily distract you and take the time to rest.

Take some time to go for a walk. Take a few moments for idleness. Do not be afraid to sit in silence and by all means, get the sleep that you need.

Don't be duped into thinking that you can shortcut your rest, it's not sustainable.

Begin to design your daily life with periods of rest and experience all of the benefits that come with doing so.

This edition was first published in The Life Design Newsletter on LinkedIn.