“Many Doctors and Practice Managers that work with a me as their coach very quickly find the power of rest and enlist it as their superpower. They become more tolerant of the people around them, are more efficient and productive…some even manage to go home on time!”
Sheela Hobden, Executive Coach
Rest seems to have got a “lazy” and “indulgent” reputation, but, we humans NEED rest, in order to maintain the ability to do all the things required of us each and every day. So, it is not an indulgence, it’s a necessity. Because, without it, we really will crash and burn.
The purpose of rest is to allow the brain to process all the things we are asking it to do and think about. So, the more rest we have during the day, the less the brain has to process overnight. This means introducing just a couple of extra rest breaks, even 5 minutes at a time, will also help you sleep better at night.
Because, I think we all need a bit of that don’t we?
FIVE ideas to get you started:
M&Ms
No, not the naughty sweets! As individuals, we will feel recharged by different things, so try a different “M” for each break you take:
- Mindfulness (focus on the present)
- Meditation (use an App like Insight Timer)
- Music (your favourite song)
- Movement (anything goes!)
- Mwah ha ha (watch something funny!)
TIP – create your own “menu of rest options”.
Go “Off Grid”
Being constantly available means the brain is “on alert” even when we don’t think it is and you’ll also be surprised at how people find ways to manage without you too!
TIP – However short or long your break is, leave your phone behind
Flow
Do something which gets you into flow and totally absorbs your attention. Even on a short break, you can still get into flow. Read more here
TIP – Try one of the M&Ms for getting into that “trance” state.
Hide!
Are you spending too much time with people around you, calling for your attention? You might need “social rest”.
TIP – Allocate specific periods of time where “do not disturb” applies
Screen Saver
Screen time is an absolute killer. Add to it the sensory stimulation that comes from Zoom calls, bright lights, conversations around us and by the end of the day we’re cooked!
TIP – Take 1 minute an hour with your eyes closed
Resources:
- “Flow” – read more here
- Listen to this podcast on REST, featuring Sheela here
Sheela Hobden is a Coach at bluegreen Coaching. Following her own mental health battles, she now coaches individuals, runs training sessions and speaks at conferences. She has a real passion for helping medics and healthcare professionals take as much care of themselves as they do their patients in whatever life or career conundrums they face! She is also a Mentor Coach and Coach Supervisor. She has a PGCERT in Business and Personal Coaching, holds PCC member status with the ICF and is CIPD qualified. She challenges herself with ultra distance running and Ironman. Find her at www.bluegreencoaching.com or swimming in the sea, in Poole, Dorset
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