October: The Power of Stopping: Embracing the Pause for Wellbeing and Performance
This month, I’m focusing on the power of stopping—one of the five foundation points of LifeStar. In a world that often glorifies exhaustion as a status symbol and equates productivity with self-worth[1], it's crucial to understand the importance of pausing.
What Gets in the Way of Stopping
As leaders and professionals, you often face numerous barriers to stopping. Here are some common obstacles:
- Fear of Letting People Down: We worry about letting our team, family, or even ourselves down if we take a break.
- Unrealistic Workloads: The constant pressure to meet unrealistic deadlines and expectations can make it feel impossible to stop.
- Exhaustion as a Status Symbol: Society often celebrates those who work tirelessly, and this mindset can harm our wellbeing. Letting go of the idea that exhaustion equals success is essential for our mental and physical health.
- Productivity as Self-Worth: Many of us tie our self-worth to our productivity. This can lead to a never-ending work cycle without adequate rest, ultimately harming our overall performance and wellbeing.
The Consequences of Not Stopping
Not stopping has severe consequences. You deplete your reserves, and that means you will have lower levels of resilience reserves, will be more prone to mental and physical illnesses and have less capacity to adapt and foster meaningful connection. Not stopping increases the chance that you will experience the following:
- Burnout: Constant work without breaks can lead to burnout, affecting our personal and professional lives.
- Decreased Productivity: Ironically, not taking breaks can make us less productive. Our brains need rest to function optimally.
- Lower Performance: Without adequate rest, our performance suffers. We become less focused, creative, and effective in our roles.
The Benefits of Stopping for Leaders and Their Teams
Embracing the power of stopping has numerous benefits in our work and life.
- Higher Performing Teams: When leaders model healthy work habits, it creates a culture of wellbeing and high performance. Teams that prioritise rest and recovery are more resilient and productive.
- High Trust Workplace: Setting clear boundaries and encouraging rest builds trust within the team. It shows that you value their wellbeing and understand the importance of balance.
- Increased Productivity: Regular breaks allow the brain to recharge, leading to increased focus and productivity when you return to work.
- Sustainable Workloads: By understanding what is sustainable for you and your team, you can create a work environment that supports long-term success rather than short-term burnout.
The Power of Being an Example
As leaders, you can set an example for your teams. When you prioritise stopping and rest, you give your team members permission to do the same. This creates a culture of wellbeing and high performance. It doesn’t matter how many times you say to your team “take a break”. If the team doesn’t see you taking your own advice, ithey may not trust that it is OK to take a break.
Building in Stops and Rest into Your Daily Routine
Incorporating stops and rest into your daily routine doesn't have to be complicated. In LifeStar coaching and programmes, I encourage you to fill your life with what you enjoy doing. Following are some ideas and inspiration for creating your own routines and rituals.
- Morning Routine: Start your day with a quiet moment, a morning workout, or a mindfulness practice. This sets the tone for a calm and centred day.
- Work Life: Acknowledge your team members' efforts and celebrate small wins. Crossing off a significant task on your and their to-do list can give you a sense of accomplishment and progress.
- Family Time: Enjoy undivided attention during family dinner or read to your kids before bedtime. These moments create special bonds and fully allow you to appreciate your loved ones.
- Me Time: Indulge in your favourite hobby or take a warm bath with a good book. These activities allow you to relax and recharge.
Mini Moments Matter
Even small moments of stopping can have a significant positive impact. Taking a short mindfulness break during the day, preparing and enjoying a healthy meal, or catching up with friends over coffee can all contribute to your wellbeing.
Reflecting on Your Stop Time
Here are some questions to help you reflect on how you spend your stop time and how aligned it is with what you enjoy doing:
- What activities bring you the most joy and relaxation?
- How often do you engage in these activities, and how can you make more time for them?
- How does stopping and engaging in activities you enjoy impact your overall wellbeing and performance?
- What small moments of stopping can you incorporate into your daily routine?
- What boundaries must you set to ensure you have time for what you enjoy?
- How can you encourage your team to prioritise stopping and engaging in activities they enjoy?
LifeStar's Message
At LifeStar, Stop is one of the five foundation points essential for living with energy reserves, resilience, and the ability to respond to unforeseen situations. By incorporating stop and rest into your life, you can live with more energy, calm, and impact at work and home.
Join me this month in embracing the pause and unlocking the power of stopping.
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Stay tuned for more insights and tips on wellbeing and performance from LifeStar. If you're ready to embrace the power of stopping, explore our online learning programmes and coaching services designed to support you on this journey. Together, we can create a culture of wellbeing and mental health awareness that benefits everyone. Find out what's on offer.
[1] Brené Brown discusses this in her book "The Gifts of Imperfection".