I don't usually "go rogue" but I will on this ...

This past weekend, I took a quick trip down to my hometown of Franklin Grove, Illinois (population: 950). The kids were occupied at various camps and activities, and my husband (Ryan) and I were able to get away just the two of us which was particularly nice because Saturday was our 23rd wedding anniversary. 

I don’t put my “out-of-office” message on very often, but I really wanted to be as present as possible with Ryan, my parents, and my grandmother (I get to see my 90-year-old grandmother every time we visit, which is a real treat.)

So for a few days, I tried to be offline. I tried to be present. I tried to enjoy long walks and leisurely talks.

I tried to relax. 

In the legal profession, taking time to rest can feel contrarian. It can feel like something we “shouldn’t have to do.” Worse, we may hear or feel messages like “only the weak need rest” or that we should keep pushing far beyond our mental and physical capacity.

Resting can feel like we are “going rogue” - like we have something to hide or that we need to be secretive and quiet about our rest.

Why is that? How did that become the case? How did we start undermining our very human need to rest our minds, bodies, and hearts on a regular basis?

We should never feel that we need to justify taking time to relax. Relaxing is, ideally, simply part of the rhythm of being human.

But many of us (myself included) get caught up in the busyness and hustle of it all. One more email. One more meeting. One more task. Then I’ll rest. 

Sound familiar?

"We need relaxation because we cannot work continuously. Relaxation, then, is not an end; for it is taken for the sake of activity.” - Aristotle

Our bodies - and minds - are built to stretch and then to relax. Resting activates the parasympathetic nervous system—the opposite of the sympathetic nervous system, which is the flight-or-fight response.  

What other benefits come from relaxing?

1. Rest allows our bodies time to heal and recover while boosting our immune systems.

2. Breaks improve mental health, promote well-being, and improve mood.

3. Rest helps us show up with greater emotional intelligence and presence for the people we care about which strengthens our relationships. 

4. Rest and relaxation allows us to recover from the stress we have already faced and build resilience for the stress that will come in the future.

5. Resting boosts creativity and innovation. Science clearly shows that our ability to create, innovate, and ideate is much stronger when we are well-rested.

6. Rest actually improves productivity. Just like your other muscles, your brain gets fatigued and doesn’t function at its best. A rested brain is a sharper, more productive brain.

7. Some rest and relaxation enhances decision-making. “Sleeping on it” actually works; rest helps us make better decisions, and going too long without mental rest degrades our emotional and analytical capacity. 

(And - just to be clear - “rest” is not the same as “sleep.” “Sleep is something we all do, but many rarely feel 'rested' upon waking up because our rest needs go beyond the physical—they are also mental, emotional, and spiritual,” says Basmah Osman. “Unlike sleep, rest is a conscious, daily choice that calls us to uncover our needs, challenge norms, and stay committed.” Check out this article for more on this important distinction: “Why We Need To Stop Conflating Sleep With Rest”).

So when you need to rest, I encourage you to do it - unapologetically. When you rest, you aren’t only at your best for yourself, but for those around you and the organization you serve.

Being tired, stressed, fatigued, and at the end of your rope isn’t good for anyone.

So go rogue and get some rest. If you need a justification, use some of the reasons above. But I hope you can get to a point where you can rest simply because you are human, and everyone deserves downtime. 

It’s amazing how luxurious and restorative it can feel to be offline, even for just a day or two. 

And you’ll be surprised with the mental clarity and energy you’ll feel. 

In a culture and profession that pushes you to be “always on,” be a maverick once in a while and rest.

Your body and mind will tell you what science affirms - rest is good for your mental health, your performance, your relationships - every part of your well-being!

Hit “reply” and let me know how you’re going to carve out some time for unapologetic, restorative, rejuvenating rest. I can’t wait to hear about your “rest plans”!

Here’s to finding a few moments of rest in the coming week (and maybe even a few hours or days of rest as the summer months unfold!