Embracing Rest at Work
Rest at work! I bet for most of us this sounds ridiculous & a luxury that most of us don’t feel we can afford in a workday. But what if we could reframe our perspective and see rest as an essential part of "doing"? By viewing rest as a necessary and valuable activity, we can begin to create a work environment that truly supports our well-being. And here’s the thing…when you rest, you will become more productive & feel more alive. So it makes sense but it takes a little practice.
Embracing Rest as Doing
We often measure our worth by how much we accomplish, but what if we included resting as part of that accomplishment? Resting is an active choice to care for ourselves. It’s okay to rest; you don’t need to justify it. Rest is a fundamental part of maintaining our health and happiness. So the first step is to reframe rest as one of the most important activities you can do every single day and not just when you go to bed.
Simple Ways to Include Rest at Work
Creating a supportive environment for self-care at work can be gentle and straightforward. Here are some small ways to bring more rest into your workday:
Take Regular Breaks: It’s so important to step away from your work regularly. Even short breaks can help clear your mind and give you a boost of energy. Schedule tiny breaks into your diary like a 10min break between meetings - this will make a huge difference.
Digital Detox: Try to step away from screens for a few minutes here and there. It might feel challenging at first, but even brief digital detoxes can help you feel more refreshed. Start small and increase the time as you feel comfortable.
Desk Stretches and Exercise: Incorporating gentle stretches or simple exercises at your desk can help relieve physical tension and clear your mind. Check out @heartandbonesyoga for some easy-to-follow practices.
Community Support: It’s so valuable to have a supportive community at work. Encourage each other to take breaks and rest. Having a culture of care makes a big difference.
Quality of Rest and Sleep: Good rest during the day contributes to better sleep at night. There are a whole range of short sessions in the Clementine app that can help give your body and mind a little rest in the day. You could listen to these whilst out walking, in the loo, at your desk. Plus their dreamy deep sleep hypnotherapy sessions are great if you struggle to switch your brain off at the end of the day. Check it out here.
Embracing Gentle Self-Care
Creating an environment of self-care at work is about more than just individual actions; it’s about fostering a gentle, collective mindset that values and prioritises rest. When we support each other in taking time to rest, we create a healthier, more compassionate work environment.
Remember, you deserve the time and space to rest. Embrace rest as an integral part of your life, and see how it gently transforms your well-being and work.
May you find the support and peace you need to rest. 🌸
Written by Atifa Balding, Integrative Wellbeing Therapist & Self Care Expert.
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