Deliberate rest is key to sustainable success

A strong work ethic is a hallmark characteristic of farmers and agriculturists. That said, the more work we try to fit into our already busy lives, the less effective we often become. Work without adequate rest can lead to exhaustion, burnout and mistakes made in haste, placing our goals further out of reach. If we want to feel refueled, refocused and ultimately work more effectively, rest is necessary.

Research shows adequate rest not only supports higher productivity and efficiency while we work, it also makes us feel happier and experience fewer symptoms of physical tension and common ailments like the cold and flu. But first, we must recognize our body’s response to daily stress and acknowledge cues that we need rest. Experiencing more aches and pains, snapping easily at minor inconveniences or feeling mentally or emotionally burned out could be indications that you need more and/or better rest.

Consider the types of activities you do daily, weekly, monthly or annually that provide physical, mental and emotional rest. How do you recharge?

• Daily or weekly rest activities could include getting adequate nightly sleep, reading a book, watching TV or a movie, playing games with family, exercising or stretching, eating dinner with family or friends, or engaging in hobbies. Intentionally blocking off time for these daily or weekly activities could bring you surprising amounts of energy and joy.
• Monthly rest could include things like visiting extended family, going on a long weekend trip or getting a massage.
• Annual rest most commonly looks like a vacation spent with friends or family.

Dedicating time for rest among life’s demands can be difficult, so experts suggest keeping a time budget for a few days or even a full week. Record your activities accurately over 24-hour periods so you can see how you’re spending your time and identify ways to make time for rest. Activities like scrolling social media or shopping online for things you don’t need can be addictive time-suckers. Keep track of those times and challenge yourself to decrease them, freeing yourself up for other activities that can be simultaneously productive and relaxing for your body and mind.

Books like Atomic Habits by James Clear can also offer helpful strategies for making the best use of your time. In his book, Clear describes strategies for establishing new, healthy habits while leaving bad ones in the past. He says a good habit should be obvious, attractive, easy and satisfying.

Additionally, setting SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound) can help you work — and play — more effectively, so when you achieve a goal there’s time to celebrate and rest. For example, earlier this year I trained for my first 5k race. After the race, I got ice cream and then limited my exercise the following week to allow adequate time to recover physically.

As everyone finishes up fall harvest activities, emptying manure pits and other necessary items before the snow flies, be sure to take time to recharge. You are not a machine programmed to run endlessly. Achieving goals, supporting others, avoiding mistakes, and enjoying life are nearly impossible if you’re running on fumes. Improving your rest is a necessity that can improve your well-being and help you thrive in your professional and personal life.