TFT: Take Time Away
So this TFT post is going to be pretty short and sweet. I’m just coming off of some time away and that’s really want I wanted to make sure I shared with all of you. Make sure you schedule some time away.
Why Rest and Recovery Matter
Sure, I know we’re all in the grind, and every moment you stop working is a moment that your competition can get ahead. Plus, if you stop working, maybe you will lose momentum. But in reality, the opposite is true. You need time to rest and recover to grow and prepare for the next jump. Yes, you need to work hard, and there will be seasons that require intense sprints. But make sure you take time to rest and recover afterward. The research is pretty clear on the benefits of rest and stepping away from work. Here are a few stats that highlight the importance of rest:
1. Increased Productivity: Research from the American Psychological Association (APA) shows that taking regular breaks can increase productivity and reduce the risk of burnout. Employees who take short, frequent breaks are 50% more productive than those who work without taking breaks .
2. Improved Mental Health: A study published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that employees who take vacations experience reduced stress and burnout levels, with effects lasting up to five weeks after returning to work .
3. Enhanced Creativity: According to a study from the University of California, San Francisco, rest and relaxation can enhance creativity and problem-solving abilities by allowing the brain to form new connections .Tips for Effective Rest and Recovery
What I will say, based on the research I’ve read, are the following ideas:
Plan a vacation or time away after an intense sprint.
It gives you something to look forward to.
It also serves as a reward when the sprint is complete.
Spend time in nature.
It doesn’t have to be the whole time, but at least one walk through the woods or park can be incredibly restorative.
Try something new.
Find an activity or hobby not remotely related to your day-to-day.
Embrace the beginner’s mind.
Make it multiple days and nights.
One night away is good.
Three to four nights away is even better.
Get out of your house for at least part of it.
While it’s good to just have some time to rest and recover, spending time in a new location is even better.
Not a perfect list or a complete one by any means. Let me know if you have other ideas that have worked for you in the comments below.
Action Step:
Look at the end of your current sprint. What are you going to do to rest and recover? Book part of that trip now.
Additional Reading:
"The Science Behind Why Rest Days Improve Productivity" - American Psychological Association
"Why Taking Time Off Is Good for Your Brain" - Journal of Occupational Health Psychology
"The Creativity Leap: Why Resting Your Brain Is the Key to Innovative Thinking" - University of California, San Francisco
"Why Nature Is the Best Medicine for Your Brain" - Scientific American
"The Importance of Downtime and How to Plan It" - Harvard Business Review
"Rest vs. Hustle: The Balance Between Work and Well-being" - Forbes