You know that I’m a strong advocate for thinking, planning, and getting things done. Some people just see the last part – getting things done – and think that equates to always being busy. Nothing could be further from the truth. It’s actually a productivity trap. Tweaking spreadsheets and checking a thesaurus does not equal productivity. In fact, it’s burnout that happens when we’re always going, going, going. And that burnout leads to decreased productivity and even health issues.
Burnout is a “systematic depletion that manifests as cynicism, detachment, and plummeting professional efficacy,” according to Natalie Nixon, PhD, and author and creativity strategist. When all this happens, failure ensues. We have so many commitments – from family responsibilities to work emergencies, that burnout can happen in any arena. Dr. Nixon has developed a framework to counter professional burnout, and I believe that it can help outside the workplace as well.
Move, think, rest
Dr. Nixon has coined the phrase “Move, Think, Rest” as a grounded approach to emotional recovery. I align it with “Work hard, then recover harder.” This approach recognizes that our bodies and minds work together to make our lives happier and more meaningful. Physical movement combined with deep thought and then recovery make us even more productive and resilient.
We know that physical movement increases endorphins in our systems and gives us more energy. But that’s not limited to a devoted workout session. A 15-minute walk while you’re thinking about the next step of your project not only maintains your mobility, but it helps your brain to reset.
And when we reflect on our work and are mindful of our surroundings, we’re setting the stage for deeper recovery.
Your brain is connecting the dots
And actual rest – when we’re doing nothing – is really not doing nothing. It’s letting our brains connect all the pieces of our being, our plans, and our work. It helps us connect the dots. Rest is more beneficial, sometimes, than the work itself. Dr. Nixon calls it “essential maintenance.”
So, work hard, exercise, and rest. Don’t neglect any of these elements. Your body and your brain will thank you.
