“Relax!”
When you hear this, do you shrug and think, “No. I have a business to run. I’ll relax later.”
Well, as difficult as it may be, relaxation is an important part of business success.
There have been numerous reports on how the brain functions differently during rest and why this process improves thinking, mental health and functioning. For example, check out:
Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, Joanna A. Christodoulou and Vanessa Singh (2013), “Rest Is Not Idleness: Implications of the Brain’s Default Mode for Human Development and Education,” Perspectives on Psychological Science, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1745691612447308
Kaori Satoa, Sachiko Kurodab and Hideo Owan (Volume 246, February 2020, 112774)
“Mental health effects of long work hours, night and weekend work, and short rest periods,” Social Science & Medicine,
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953619307695
So how do you fit “rest” into your schedule?
Relax Your Way.
What helps you relax?
Whether it’s meditating, working out at the gym, talking to friends, or something else, schedule relaxation time that works for you, and give yourself a break!
Eat and Drink In a Healthy Way.
If you consume caffeinated beverages and a lot of sugary snacks regularly, it’s going to be more difficult to let your mind rest.
When you schedule down time, think about what you are putting in your body beforehand.
List What’s Necessary.
Got zero time for yourself?
Make a list of all of the activities you do that someone else can do for you.
Hire an intern, freelancer, or part/full-time employee to free up your schedule. Yes, it may cost extra time and money, but it’s well worth it.
Ask for Help.
Feeling overwhelmed?
Form a supportive network of associates, friends and family members who can provide positive insights and guide you along the way… so you can grow your business AND get the rest you need.
X-Ray What’s Going On.
(Ha! Bet you didn’t think I could come up with an “X” word!)
Just like you x-ray a body part to see what’s going on beneath the skin’s surface, stop and take a good look at what’s really going on with your business.
Do you spend time on the things that actually matter?
What’s necessary to get to the next step?
Do you need help?
Review and take action to make positive changes happen.
Take That Time Off!
I used to grimace when someone told me to “Relax!” But I’ve changed my ways.
Now, I schedule relaxation time so I can recharge and think of new ideas to be more successful. Plus, I’ve created some wonderful memories with family and friends in the process.
How about you? Are you going to take some time off this summer?
If not, you may look back just a few years from now, be in the same place with your business and see all of the fun you’ve missed!
Relax. Really?! It’s Summer! Take some time off already!
