Does this sound familiar to you? You’re exhausted, feeling like you're in a mental fog, but your body isn’t tired. So many of the business owners I work with lack the words to express the type of fatigue they’ve been experiencing over the past year. How do we explain something that we’ve never felt before?
As so many new terms enter our lexicon -- social distancing, community spread, flattening the curve -- we also need new ways to describe what we need to be complete and productive individuals.
The research that centers on long-term stressors and chronic unpredictable stress can help us to understand what some of us (along with our family, friends, co-workers) are experiencing during this extended time of change.
Behavioral anhedonia is a good place to start. Defined as “a diverse array of deficits in hedonic function, including reduced motivation or ability to experience pleasure,” this term can start to describe how a lot of us are feeling. We begin to lack the ability to love doing the things that previously brought us joy. Having less joy can also impact productivity, getting us stuck in an unhealthy pattern.
What can we do to improve a situation like this?
We need to rest. But to many that may feel counterproductive. You’re already swamped and overwhelmed, you may say, how can I recommend taking a nap?! This doesn’t necessarily mean sleeping, however. Sleep and rest are two completely different things.
In her TEDx talk, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith discusses the seven categories of rest -- mental, spiritual, emotional, social, sensory, creative, and physical. Take a few minutes to check out what she has to say.
Our challenge as business owners is to identify the type (or types) of rest we need to maintain our motivation and productivity. So here’s an example: if you’re spending your whole day going between your laptop and phone, with the television on, and the kids or your partner vying for your attention, you almost certainly need some sensory rest.
Take some time to interrupt that routine. Step away from your laptop and turn off the TV, even for just a few minutes here and there. Replenish your energy and see how that impacts your mindset.
Between the pandemic and our constant connection to the world around us, we really are living through unprecedented times. Here at B.O.S.S. Consulting we support the business owner, including helping you through your business and pandemic challenges, so that you can thrive alongside your business.
What can you share with other business owners to help them thrive? Leave a comment below -- you may have information someone else really needs!
Please note: The information and content provided in this blog is intended for informational use. If you or someone you know has a medical concern, please consult your healthcare provider.
Terry Doloughty is the Founder of B.O.S.S. Consulting with thirty years of experience in both the for profit and nonprofit sectors. Terry believes that leadership is the most valuable renewable resource. He’s passionate about sharing his skills and life experiences with the next generation of leaders so they can grow their organizations and support their communities.
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