Every manager and leader knows this: We are caught in a never-ending work cycle, striving to meet deadlines, drive results, meet expectations and keep our teams on track. Let alone manage our long list of to-dos, must-dos and nice to-dos. The constant demands can affect one’s physical and mental well-being. I am all for dedication to the mission and doing the work (I built a career on it and love it), but there is a vital aspect that many of us overlook – the importance of rest.
In this blog post, I delve into the importance of rest for leaders and managers and provide my learned and tried tips on resting, recharging, and, ultimately, on what we need to do to remain effective leaders in our worlds. I am sharing as I have had to learn these things myself, and there is no guilt associated with any of the below. The idea is to remind us as leaders that rest is needed.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), burnout is now recognised as an “occupational phenomenon” affecting individuals and the organisations they lead. Burnout can result in decreased productivity and increased absenteeism and negatively impact workplace morale, let alone personal health and well-being. As someone who has experienced this first-hand, it is not a fun place to be or experience. A tired manager or leader (or mom!) is not good for anyone and can be dangerous.
Is there a case for the importance of rest? I absolutely think so. So much of the research – whether anecdotally, through my own experience or in academia, seems to point to one clear message – leaders and managers must prioritise rest.
Reasons I have learned why rest is so important (and backed by research):
For mental clarity and decision-making
A bit self-explanatory, really. Rest is essential for maintaining mental clarity. When leaders and managers are well-rested, we can make more and better-informed decisions and think strategically. Fatigue and sleep deprivation, on the other hand, can lead to impaired judgment and an increased risk of making costly mistakes, including catastrophic mistakes that can cost lives.
Creativity and innovation
Rest fosters creativity and innovation. Our brains need to wander, make new connections and think outside the typical box we think in daily. I know many of my great ideas and breakthroughs happen during moments of relaxation and downtime.
For health and well-being
Chronic stress and overwork can have detrimental effects on physical health. Our bodies are not meant for the constant pace of go-go and can cause chronic illnesses and diseases. Regular rest (in conjunction with a healthier lifestyle) can help reduce the risk of stress-related health problems such as heart disease, hypertension, and depression.
Better leadership effectiveness
Rested leaders inspire and guide their teams more effectively. When rested, I exhibit greater emotional intelligence, empathy, and patience, which are essential qualities for effective leadership.
Being a role model
When we, as leaders, show how we prioritise rest, we set an example for our teams. Employees who see their leaders valuing self-care through rest are likelier to do the same. It shows, through action, that we are walking the talk as leaders.
So, having discussed the benefits of rest, let’s explore some practical strategies for leaders and managers to incorporate rest into their lives and leadership styles. Some tips for resting that I have been using for quite some time and some that I recently learned. They are:
Set clear boundaries
One of the biggest challenges for leaders and managers is knowing when to switch off. No one is going to do this for us. We must do this and establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Communicate these boundaries to your team and colleagues. You can also demonstrate this without direct action. For example, you might avoid checking work emails after a particular hour or on weekends. That in itself sends a clear message. I know one manager who set up an automatic out-of-office message for the weekend and after-hours. Do what you must do to make sure a) you set clear boundaries with yourself first and b) communicate those boundaries to those that matter in your personal and work life.
Delegate responsibility
Effective delegation is a skill that every leader must master. I have had to learn this one the hard way, but once learned, and practised, it will make you a better leader. I cannot oversell the power of this skill. It is a skill that we need to learn and cultivate – in ourselves and our teams if needed. As a leader, practice it every chance you get. Trust your team to handle tasks and decisions without micromanaging. This lightens your workload and empowers your team members to grow and take ownership of their roles. There are plenty of articles and books on how to delegate, but the lesson I learned is to understand yourself better and what prevents you from delegating.
Prioritise sleep
You know the research and what it says about sleep. But you know what? Run an experiment yourself. See how well you do when you have a good night’s sleep – deep, recharging sleep. And then, when you don’t. How do you feel? Not good, right? Sleep is the ultimate form of rest that I guard pretty fanatically. I aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night – but you might need more or less. The key here is to develop a consistent sleep routine and create an environment conducive to rest, which includes a comfortable mattress (totally underestimated) and a calming bedtime ritual. Please don’t underestimate sleep as a leader. I can tell you from experience that jetlagged leaders (who tend to operate on disrupted sleep) make costly business mistakes. So rest up. Sleep debt can be repaired by sleeping much earlier than usual, three nights in a row.
Practice mindfulness and meditation
Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools for reducing stress and promoting relaxation. These practices help you stay present, manage stressors effectively, and enhance your well-being. I have practised meditation intermittently for the past 15 years (thanks to a mentor who pointed it out well before it was the hip thing to do), and I know the challenges. If you feel meditation is not for you, then please consider incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Simple things make all the difference. Stay mindful of the task at hand. Don’t multi-task, and if you are with a person, listen mindfully and see how effective this little tweak is.
And do try meditation. So many apps these days offer everything from a 1-minute meditation to longer sessions. Start with just 1 minute. If meditation is really, really not your thing, then practice some deep breathing and attach it to another ritual. It could be every time you grab a cup of coffee or drink a glass of water and commit to yourself that you will do some deep breathing when completing the task.
Schedule regular breaks
It is in rare work environments where you cannot incorporate short breaks throughout your workday. A 5-10 minute break every hour can boost productivity and mental clarity. Use this time to stretch, take a walk, or simply, as per above, breathe deeply and relax. It only takes a minute.
Digital detox
I did this a few years ago and tried it again earlier in the year at a health retreat and have done it again many times since then. It is hard. It is uncomfortable. I have done it from one day to seven days. It really cannot be underestimated as a rest strategy. If you can’t do it for long stretches of time, then try to set aside specific times during the day or week to unplug entirely from smartphones, tablets, and computers. Choose detox times when you would normally be using the devices, so no, dinner time doesn’t count, as it’s best to focus on eating when eating (mindful moment).
Take regular vacations
Budget permitting, take regular vacations. Vacations are not a luxury; they are a necessity. Plan regular vacations or getaways to disconnect from work entirely. Use this time to rejuvenate, explore new experiences, and spend quality time with loved ones. And you know, we don’t need to go overseas to enjoy this. Queensland is always beautiful, and there are areas in Australia that always blow my mind and remind me what a great continent we live on. Or do a staycation and explore your local caves and towns. The point is to disconnect. Maybe combine it with a digital detox.
And lastly, my absolute favourite: Learn to say no
Leaders and managers often face overwhelming requests and responsibilities. Learning to say no when necessary is a vital skill. Prioritise your commitments and decline tasks or projects not aligned with your goals or values. Yes, I know this is hard, and in the uber-competitive environments many are operating in, this might be easier said than done. However, it must be done, especially if you are a competent manager and get work done. You will get more work. It’s just what happens. So, learning to say no diplomatically and professionally will serve you and your mental health well. There is much written on how to say no; I even created a list of how to say no at my previous employer and shared it. Let me know if you want the list, and I can share it directly or through another blog post. And please model it (as per above) to your team. Let them see you say no to the boss or colleagues so they can learn the magic power of the word no.
Related post: The power of NO and how to use it (politely!) at work
Final thoughts
So, there we have it. Please remember that rest is a highly individualised concept; there is so much more you can try and do, and you will have your personal favourites. Experimenting with various strategies and finding the combination that aligns with your preferences and needs is essential. The key is prioritising rest as an integral part of your life for long-term well-being and sustained effectiveness as a leader.
We have to make rest an acceptable part of the play-work formula. Rest is not a sign of weakness; it’s a strategic choice that empowers leaders and managers to excel – I really wish I had a better understanding of this and good role models going through my career.
The greatest lesson I have learned from resting is that leaders can become more effective and resilient by recognising the importance of rest for mental clarity, creativity, and overall well-being. By role modelling and sharing what you are doing as a leader, you will create an environment for your team where rest is seen as a strategic business tool and not just a nice to have. And you never know; you might be saving someone’s life in the process.
As always, if you invest in yourself, the rewards will be unfathomable.
I am off to rest, so until next time.
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