The Power of Pause – how leaders can transform productivity through rest

In his 2023 address to world leaders at the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship (ARC) Conference, political commentator and satirist Konstantin Kisin declared, “We are in the fight of our lives.”

“From the dawn of time, humans have worked tirelessly to advance our world,” he said. “We captured the mystery of fire, invented the wheel, split the atom, spliced the genome, and connected the globe through microcomputers in our pockets that allow us to do extraordinary things.”

Kisin’s speech was a powerful reminder of the progress we’ve made and the audacity needed to achieve it. He urged us to focus not just on individual success, but on preserving and protecting our civilization. While his message was aimed at a grand, global scale, it resonates on a more personal level as well.

The High Cost of Progress 

In today’s world, we’re in a race for success and financial freedom amidst a housing crisis, financial instability, and an uncertain future. The relentless pursuit of these goals has led to unprecedented burnout rates.

According to the 2024 Global Talent Trends report by Mercer, more than 80% of employees are at risk of burnout this year. The American Psychological Association’s 2023 Work in America Survey found that 57% of workers reported negative impacts from work-related stress, including emotional exhaustion, irritability, and anger. Meanwhile, across the Pacific Ocean, a 2023 Australian Bureau of Statistics study revealed that mental ill-health is now the number one chronic condition in Australia.

Who’s Responsible for Wellbeing? 

Addressing the global burnout crisis should be a top priority for businesses since their greatest asset is their people. However, a 2021 Wellbeing Diagnostic Survey by Willis Towers Watson found that only 48% of businesses had employee well-being programs. Until those in charge step up to the plate, the responsibility for well-being often falls to the individual.

While financial stress, insufficient resources, and toxic workplace cultures are significant contributors to burnout, much of the pressure comes from within. We push ourselves relentlessly, often ignoring the signs that we’re overwhelmed.

Recognizing Burnout: What to Look For 

Herbert Freudenberger first coined the term “burnout” in 1975, defining it by three core components:

1. Emotional Exhaustion: The fatigue from caring too much for too long.
2. Depersonalization: The loss of empathy and compassion.
3. Decreased Sense of Accomplishment: A feeling that nothing you do makes a difference.

When burnout takes hold, you might experience physical symptoms such as anxiety, chest tightness, panic attacks, sleep disturbances, digestive issues, chronic fatigue, or unexplained muscle pain. These physical signs are your body’s way of telling you it’s time to slow down.

The Power of the Pause 

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to wait until you’re on the brink of a burnout crisis. By incorporating regular moments of pause into your day, you can prevent burnout and maintain your well-being. These “micro-rests” or short breaks can help reset your nervous system, boosting your focus, problem-solving abilities, and overall mental and physical health.

A pause can be as simple as a few deep breaths, some stretches or as substantial as a brief walk outside, or a cup of tea in the sun. While busy people may fear this is wasting time in a busy day, studies show these breaks can enhance your productivity, improve your mood, elevate your problem solving capacity, and activate your parasympathetic nervous system—the “rest and digest” system that counters your stress response.

Embrace the Pause for a Better Tomorrow 

In a world where the pressure to succeed is immense, taking time to pause might seem counterintuitive. But remember, true progress requires not just relentless effort, but also moments of reflection and self-care. By acknowledging burnout and using pauses as a tool for recovery, you can safeguard your well-being and continue your journey toward success.

So next time you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, give yourself permission to pause. Your future self will thank you for it.

Written by Danielle Colley.

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