Redesigning rest and unlocking energy use
Given that the human brain is constantly monitoring our energy budget and predicting our energy use and attempting to get us to balance output with restoration, it is perverse, but not altogether out of character, that the part of our brain that thinks it runs the show should come up with a notion such as, 'I'll rest when I'm dead'. Sometimes we choose to believe the dumbest ideas.
Some questions to frame what follows.
- How do you normally rest? What are your go-to things to do (or not do)?
- How often are you well rested?
- What distinct energy stores have you used up? Physical, cognitive, emotional, spiritual.
The Practice
If you approach rest without an intention you may be open to the combined international forces of distraction (CI-FOD?!) and you may not achieve the rest you need. What types of energy have you used up? In which areas are you in need of restoration? Can you design a rest activity to suit your specific maintenance needs? Can you design your days to deliberately use the types of energy you love using most, creative, social, cognitive, spiritual or physical?
Written by Bruce Stanley on Fri, February 05, 2021