Part 3: Rest is Productive
In the last two blog posts, we’ve talked about how to boost productivity through Time Management Strategies for Teachers that Work, and 15 Practical Life Hacks to Save You Time. In this post, we’ll explore how Rest is Productive too!
We hear the term “Self-Care” thrown about rather carelessly, especially in the past few years. Is there anything worse than having the very institution, the very people who are causing you stress…. telling you to take care of yourself? Scheduling an extra meeting to give you self-care tips? I know that I’ve been in that situation and really would have preferred the extra time to get some stuff done. Or, I don’t know…. REST!
I hope that I can give you some super practical ways to incorporate and apply this concept of rest. Setting aside some time for restorative practices can help you feel better and in turn become MORE productive.
1. Bite-sized moments of rest. An hour-long nap might not sound feasible or fit into your schedule. However, you may be able to carve out 5-15 minutes to close your eyes, listen to calming music, read a book, or move your body in a meaningful way.
2. Plan for rest. If rest doesn’t come naturally right now, you may need to put it on your calendar or build it into your schedule. “Every day at 3pm, I’m going to prioritize 20 minutes of rest”. Keep the time sacred. It is YOUR time. Make signs, block it out on your calendar, and let everyone know you are unavailable during that time.
3. Set a goal. Perhaps that goal is not checking email after 8pm. It only takes away from our quality of sleep! Maybe your goal is to keep Saturdays work-free. I can’t tell you what will work for you, but maybe you have an idea of some goals. Set a realistic goal for your life and work, and then stick to it!
4. Establish routines. I love to use essential oils in my diffuser and make a pot of cinnamon tea in the afternoon. They are small things, but I enjoy them. They help me feel comforted and at peace. What is a routine that makes you feel happy or peaceful? Can you establish a routine that you look forward to?
5. Invest in yourself to reduce burnout. There are times during the school year where you are working non-stop, putting in many more hours than full-time. And perhaps you feel like that is every week! (Maybe it is!) Use the “slower” weeks to invest in your well-being to prevent feelings of burnout during the busier seasons. Long periods of stress and heavy work are not sustainable. It isn’t YOU….. it’s the job. Symptoms of burnout include irritability, low motivation, physical exhaustion, inability to focus, and overwhelming feelings of doom and gloom about your job, team, and life.
6. Reject “Hustle Culture”. I remember being at a staff meeting once, and all of the teachers were lamenting how busy they were, where they needed to go afterwards, how many papers they needed to grade, etc. And for once, it was a rare day I could actually go home and rest! I felt like I couldn’t say that because I would be seen as not working as hard, being lazy, or looked down upon. Now, maybe that was just a “me” problem, but I really don’t think it is. What would happen if we celebrated each other’s rest as much as the successes? What if we prioritized well-being over achievements? Being busy doesn’t mean better.
7. Sleep and food are non-negotiable. Your body needs sleep, water, and nutritious food to live. These are basic human needs that sometimes go unmet during our busiest times. We feel sluggish, don’t perform well, and may even get sick. Prioritize your basic human needs. You DESERVE sleep, water, and good food. Your body will thank you! Feel tired, fuzzy, or unfocused…. Start with a glass of water. I love coffee as much as the next girl (ok, maybe more….), but water is truly what our body needs.
8. Incorporate meaningful movement. I have discovered that “working out” twice a week is imperative for me to keep a positive outlook on life. Especially during Winter. This meaningful movement could be a quick yoga video, walk around the block, or a full fitness training session. If you can do it outside and get a little bit of sunshine, even better! This movement isn’t about weight loss, physical aesthetics, or even cardiovascular health. It’s about sharpening our mind, improving our mood, and taking some cleansing breaths. Have a frustrating moment at the computer or piano? Get up and walk away for a moment. The very act of walking away and coming back to it can help.
9. Sing or create! We are creatives. We are not built the same way as everyone else! Singing, creating, and enjoying some form of expression is essential to our well-being. Find a coloring book, favorite song, or some yarn and create something beautiful during your rest time.
10. Rest is not an optional leftover activity. What if we put it first on our to-do lists? According to Alex Soojung-Kim Pang, author of Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less “Rest is not this optional leftover activity. Work and rest are actually partners. They are like different parts of a wave. You can’t have the high without the low. The better you are at resting, the better you will be at working.”
““Rest is not this optional leftover activity. Work and rest are actually partners. They are like different parts of a wave. You can’t have the high without the low. The better you are at resting, the better you will be at working.””
Finally, it may be time to examine our lifestyle to determine if it’s working for us. If it’s a busy week or busy season, then we can work through it. However, endless stress and anxiety is not sustainable. If our usual coping mechanisms aren’t working, it’s time to consider outside factors and help.
If you’re interested in sharing some of this information with your students, check out my SEL Student Survival Guide Study Habits, Coping Skills, and Self-Care.
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