We all need it. Some of us fight it. Some of us think that the daylight hours were made for doing. Some of us can’t stand leaving something undone. But we all need rest.
When we are the leader and we don’t rest we send a terrible message to those we lead. We communicate that in order for anything to get done around here we must do it. We imply that rest is for the weak and lazy. We lead our teams straight to burn out.
I have to plan rest time into my life. It has to be intentional daily habits and specific times set aside throughout the year.
Here’s what happens to me when I don’t rest:
Creativity Dries Up. I notice right away that I’m struggling with new ideas. I can’t contribute to the team or to new pieces. My brain is foggy and it takes twice as long to write anything or create something new.
Impatience Rules My Attitude. I find myself feeling annoyed and impatient with the simplest conflict. Frustration comes quickly. Grace to others comes slowly.
Productivity Becomes Sluggish. Sometimes I fool myself into thinking that if I just work a little harder and a little longer I can get everything done. But the truth is that when I’m tired, everything that I’m working on seems to take longer. It’s like I’m walking through thick sludge as I try to complete each task.
Decision-Making Slows Down. When my brain is full and needs rest, I have a hard time listening to all of the necessary information and making smart decisions. It takes me longer. I hesitate. I can’t seem to process all of the necessary information and make good decisions.
When I don’t block time for rest, then my time becomes so full that rest seems impossible. Even when I reach the point where I need it, I see no possible way to fit it in. Blocking time in advance, even if I don’t think I need it at the time, is critical.
Here is how I block time for rest:
I set an alarm on my phone for 4:20 to remind me that I’m leaving the office at 4:30. I have a long drive home and this gets me out of the office in time to start an early dinner and allow for rest at the end of each day.
I keep 3-4 weeknights free of all plans. In other words, we stay home.
I unplug Friday afternoon until Saturday night. I try to get all errands run and extra work projects wrapped up early on Friday so that Friday night and Saturday are fun, relaxing, and restful.
We put a few long weekend trips on our calendar.
I unplug for longer amounts of time and take longer vacations during the summer and over the holidays.
I know that most of you are coming off of a long and busy Easter weekend. I know you need rest. So what’s your plan?
April 6th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
I’m the same way. When I don’t have rest EVERYONE knows and it can get pretty ugly. I’m usually outgoing, optimistic, and personable, but when I don’t have intentional rest I withdraw, become critical, and become short with others.
I work Sunday-Thursday and keep my Fridays and Saturdays open. I protect these days at all costs!
I am intentional about connecting with friends outside of my ministry/church circle. It gives me fresh perspective and keeps those relationships alive.
I actually took up a hobby that isn’t related to ministry at all. Photography. This gives me a chance to be alone and cultivate something I enjoy.
Rest can sometimes be a hard concept when you are used to pushing so hard - it almost makes you feel lazy. But, so many people experience burnout - almost to the point of a breakdown, that it is just so important.
April 6th, 2010 at 4:13 pm
I loved what you said about investing in relationships outside of ministry circles. I think that is so important and I find that I have to be more and more intentional about it. Not always easy to do. Most of my close friends are in ministry or in my family!
A hobby is another great idea. Gives you a great creative outline and inspiration.
Thanks for sharing - Great insight!
K