Social Rest - A Vital Reset for Leaders After a Busy Work Week
Hello and thank you for reading this.
Hello and thank you for taking the time to read this.
Welcome to another post on the second pillar of my life philosophy: Rest (the others being Work, Play, and Sustenance).
Today, I want to share my thoughts on social rest—those precious moments spent with uplifting people and engaging in activities that truly rejuvenate us.
I’ve been using these journal entries as a means to reflect on and articulate the insights I've gathered over my 25 years as a coach, leader, and business owner. My goal is to inspire you to become one of the 'waves of positive change' our world so desperately needs, while also supporting others in their journeys of leadership.
In my last post, I explored the idea of spiritual rest; you can read it here. I hope you found it, and todays post, beneficial.
Onwards
Stefan
Finding Social Rest: A Vital Reset for Leaders After a Busy Work Week
As a leaders, the demands of our roles can leave us feeling drained by the end of a busy week. The responsibility of leading teams, making critical decisions, and juggling multiple tasks can take its toll on our mental and emotional well-being. Therefore, it’s essential to carve out moments for social rest—spending time with others in a way that rejuvenates us instead of draining our energy.
Social rest doesn’t necessarily mean simply socialising; it’s about engaging in fulfilling interactions that nourish our spirits. It could be a heartfelt conversation with a close friend over coffee, a laugh-filled dinner with family, or even a casual meet-up with colleagues in a relaxed setting. Choosing the right company is crucial; surround yourself with those who inspire you, uplift your mood, and provide a safe space for sharing.
Incorporating social rest into your weekend routine can create a powerful buffer against the pressures of the week. Schedule regular outings or virtual catch-ups, where the focus is on connection rather than obligation. Prioritise quality over quantity - it's better to have one meaningful interaction than several draining encounters.
Additionally, consider the role of nature in social rest. Engaging in outdoor activities with friends or family can rejuvenate both the body and the mind. A hike, picnic, or simply a walk in the park can enhance your mood and provide the perfect backdrop for rewarding conversations.
Finally, this is an invitation to let go of perfectionism. Don’t hesitate to say no to engagements that don’t align with your need for rejuvenation. Embrace this time as essential self-care, allowing yourself to recharge socially so you can return to work refreshed, energised, and ready to lead with purpose. Remember, taking time for social rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for maintaining your effectiveness and well-being in leadership.
3 ways to do this…
Here are three effective ways to cultivate this important aspect of your life:
Prioritise Quality Time with Loved Ones: Set aside regular catch-ups with friends and family, whether in person or virtually. Make it a point to engage in conversations without distractions, allowing for deeper connections and shared laughter. Consider organising casual gatherings, games evenings, or even outings to enjoy each other’s company.
Engage in Group Activities: Look for local clubs, classes, or volunteering opportunities that align with your interests. Joining group activities not only fosters a sense of community but also allows you to meet new people who share similar passions. This can create uplifting experiences that provide a refreshing break from daily routines.
Establish Boundaries with Social Media: While social media can facilitate connections, it can sometimes become overwhelming and contribute to a culture of perfectionism. The constant exposure to curated and idealised images can lead us to compare our lives with those of others, fostering feelings of inadequacy. To combat this, set specific times for checking social media and consider taking regular breaks. Use that time to connect with others in person or engage in activities that spark joy without the digital noise. By stepping back from social media, you can focus on authentic experiences and cultivate a healthier self-image.
Incorporating these practices into your life can help you build enriching connections with others and with yourself.
What does it for me?
For me, it’s all about the weekly brew up I have with my best mates and endurance athletes Jason Hayles and Darren Cole. Where we ride out to somewhere ‘wild’, brew up a cuppa and chat about life, love and plans.
Over the past two years; it’s been transformative. To see your friends (or colleagues) thriving, smiling and enjoying life and for all of you to be able to be your authentic selves makes a tremendous difference.
Most importantly- it reminds you that it's that very vulnerability, which gives you collective strength.
Find a way to increase connection with those around you.
Stefan
Reflection Questions:
How often do you engage in social interactions that genuinely uplift and rejuvenate you?
What qualities do you seek in the people you spend time with during your social breaks?
What steps can you take to enhance the quality of your social engagements and ensure they contribute positively to your well-being?
How can you regulate your use of social media?
Who could you consider following that shares the messages that will be useful to you in reducing your need to be perfect?
Always here
After answering these questions, take a moment to reflect on which areas you might want to prioritise and consider getting in touch if you’d like some help with creating the space you need.
Thank you for reading; I wish you a great rest of the week.
Stefan
Enjoyed reading this? I’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch - If any of this topic resonated with you and you have something you’d like to share with me or if you’d like to discuss working with me on this topic - stefan@stefanpowell.co.uk works really well for me.
Connect with me on linked in and read my long form posts on the rotating topics of Work, Rest. Play, Sustenance and Love every Thursday
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Book an inquisitive session with me to find out more about what I do and how I do it or run a challenge or thought you have passed me.
For now; thank you
I am…
An executive coach who specialises in helping good people lead great things. Good people care about others, our planet and beauty. Great things are changes for the betterment of society and all that lives within an around it.
It sounds big and fun - it is.
I'm also an endurance racing cyclist and a go. getter.
You can read more about me and what I do; how I work here