The Art of Rest
Maximizing Your Vacation for True Rejuvenation
It is the season of email replies and out-of-office messages. August is the "official" month of vacation in Europe, and in many countries, life slows down in the cities while beach and mountain destinations get filled up.
But is this a restful time, or are you simply using vacation days without fully recharging?
After a two-year transition period, I took an extended break to rejuvenate myself. The initial weeks were challenging, as I felt tired and somewhat irritable from the previous year's demands. It wasn't until the end of the month that I began to feel centered and restored. This experience imparted valuable lessons about the importance of proper rest.
It's not the load that breaks you down; it's how you carry it.
Lou Holtz
Tale Beach- photo credit E.P
Planning for Rest
When planning your vacation, it's essential to consider how you will spend your time. Relaxation should begin before the vacation starts. For many people, more than one week is needed to unwind fully. It's beneficial to plan for one week to break away from the work routine and another week to savor the slower pace.
Activities and Connections
Engage in activities you love and connect with people, replenishing your emotional tank. In some cultures, vacation time is respected by the community, allowing you solitude. In others, it's a time to socialize. Both have their risks: isolation in the first case and exhaustion in the second. I'd like you to please be careful about your culture and purposeful with your connections. Remember, these connections are not just social but emotional fuel for your journey.
Consistency and Familiarity
Building consistency in your resting spots can be very beneficial. I visited the same place for six years and recently changed my location. It was my second time at the new place, and it provided some familiarity, reducing the stress of the unknown. However, it's also important to occasionally seek new places or introduce new activities. Thanks to a friend's generosity this year, we explored new, untouched beaches with his motorboat—a refreshing experience.
Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.
Ovid
Long-Term Mindset
Not every summer or vacation will be perfect, but each one offers a chance to learn something new about how you genuinely rest. Rest involves preparation and choosing the right people, places, and activities. A well-rested time builds up as you consistently practice and adjust your rest strategies over the years. Understanding yourself better each time is vital to resting and rejuvenating effectively.
The Pitfall of Always Being Connected
In an anxiety-driven world, many leaders still check their emails despite the out-of-office reply notification and lose sleep over work, even while on vacation. To rest well, it's crucial to truly disconnect and trust that the world can manage without you for a while. Setting and respecting boundaries is essential.
Special Considerations
If you're experiencing burnout or a significant crisis, more than these general tips may be needed for your recovery. It's okay to seek additional help; getting specialized support is a good idea when it's needed.
A Note for High Achievers
Recently, a reel meme on my social media says, “the dolce far niente” -an Italian phrase that translates to 'the sweetness of doing nothing. ‘ However, rest time doesn't mean doing nothing or being unproductive. High achievers can still find joy in rest by scheduling an hour or two to engage in something productive they enjoy. My advice would be to do something different from your workday. Some people get satisfaction even on vacation by checking off some of their to-do list items by sunset! :)
Resting well is not just about taking time off; it's about recharging your mind and body.
Plan thoughtfully, engage in rejuvenating activities, and be mindful of your needs. Give grace to yourself as you learn to do this better with consistent practice; your vacation can become a refreshing experience.
Questions to Guide Your Rest
Here are a few questions to help you have a good rest time:
What activities truly relax and rejuvenate me?
How can I balance solitude and social activities to avoid isolation or exhaustion?
What boundaries should I set to ensure I disconnect from work that drains me during my vacation?
What small changes can I make daily to reduce stress and prevent burnout?
Trust you have a rejuvenating time.. till next month, I cheer for you to lead well with purpose and compassion.