Work & Rest

How do you define rest?  I suppose to define rest, we must first define work.  So what is work? Your work, specifically.  If you find absolute joy in your work is it still work? If you don't find joy in your work, is it then simply a job?   Some people define parenthood as work.  Others are insulted that considering your children as work even crossed some minds.  Creatives, which could honestly include anyone but usually those working in the arts, don't typically have a 9-5 work week.  Even if they did, is it work if creativity isn't sparked?

Is work=time?  If so, if I spend less time, but create a great product, did I work hard enough?  Do you define work as a place you go?  Something you are doing?  Are you defined by your work?

Did you know if you type "work" into the Google search bar, Rhianna is your first hit?  I'm not upset by this.

Then there is this article in Entrepreneur, 4 Ways Successful People Balance Work and the Rest of their Lives, which assumes that work and life are separate.  In fairness, the article was written in 2015, and I do believe the landscape of what it means to work has evolved in our current climate.  When I first opened FitPOWER in 2012 my parents were concerned.  In my heart I believe they knew I would succeed.  In fact they don't know this, but the few times my parents pulled my huge "hopes and dreams" balloon down from the clouds, and set my feet firmly on the ground, they were starting the path I would follow.  My parents acted as my personal cartographers by expressing their fears.  What about health care?  What about job security?  What about loyalty to a company?  Start up costs?  Where are you going to live?  Are you sure you want to do this?

I was so sure.  No question in my mind type of sure. 

​ With my feet on the ground, in the year 2008 mind you, I gained experience with a 9-5 type of job.  I worked in the now extinct (I think) Bally Total Fitness.  It was there I learned how to manage books, a team multiple trainers, and met one of my BEST friends.  It was also there that I was reminded once again how much I hated corporate fitness.  Corporate anything.  The work I was doing wasn't for me.  When you worked for Bally's it had to be done their way.  Therefore, it was a job.  I don't enjoy jobs for the sake of doing jobs.  I wanted to work.

DEFINE YOUR WORK

I can't sit here and define what works means for you, but I do know what work is for me.  My definition of work is anything that takes up my mental or physical energy to complete.  It doesn't mean I hate doing it.  Let me give you a break down.  Work is:

• Programming (barbell or jiu jitsu)
• Cleaning the gym (vacuuming, mopping, sweeping, window cleaning, folding, etc)
• Quickbooks
• Budgeting
• Meal planning
• Mailchimp
• Phone Calls
• Answering Emails
• Coaching (barbell or jiu jitsu)
• Social Media (advertising and marketing)
• Networking
• Hanging out during the week
• Updating my calendar

 Believe it or not, I don't jump for joy every time I get to update my calendar or budget.  Just sometimes.  Google calendar colors are pretty.  However, when you take all of those elements and combine them with running a team of coaches, a team of lifters, and every amazing client that walks through my door.....it is draining.  Because every time someone walks through the door they bring their personalities with them, and we don't stare at walls as we lift.  Well, we do.  Focus points are important.  But those special in between times we are social.  We interact and help each other.  We laugh with each other.  Sometimes at each other.

We are family, and I miss them when I am gone too long.  Every person I have the opportunity to help evolve physically and mentally is my life's work.  Therefore, if I am to be at my best, I need to allow the time and space to recharge, relax, and rest.  

Lets talk about rest, baby....

Ah....sweet, sweet rest.  A bodily state characterized by minimal functional and metabolic activities.  Freedom from activity or labor.   A state of motionlessness or inactivity.  Peace of mind or spirit.

Once you take the time to define your work, you can better understand your rest.  It will be completely unique.  I have clients who HATE doing meal prep.  I find it very relaxing.  Cooking in general is very relaxing to me.  My boyfriend takes naps daily.  Napping stresses me out and I take roughly 2 naps a year.  I know moms who find being with their children work, and those who find it restful.  Let me share what I need to unwind:

• Blogging
• Reading fiction
• Reading non fiction
• Lifting
• Cooking
• Deep cleaning the living room and front room (only those two rooms I have NO idea why)
• Decluttering
• Traveling
• Vacation Coffee (duh)
• Silence
• Podcasts
• Bingeing on Netflix (currently in a Grey's Anatomy whirlwind....poor George)
• Sitting with Chris
• Being at my parents house.

See what I mean?  Rest and work.  Work and rest.  There is no one versus the other.  It's not black and white.  Your work could be my rest, and vice versa.  

SEASONAL WORK & REST

Real quick. Your work and rest lists will change depending on the season.  When I was opening my new location the idea of blogging was work to me.  Right now, making a trip to my jiu jitsu gym is work to me.  I want to unwind and roll and learn at my space.  There are also days and weeks where I NEED to be away from my clients and gym.  I need to recharge.  All of these things are ok, and this is what is changing in the working landscape.  We are taking notice of our work/rest relationships and going with the flow.  This is important for our mental space.  Call it self care.  Call it mental health days.  Whatever you need to call it, promise me you will learn to roll with it.  

​You have permission.

MAKE YOUR LIST

Time for you to do a little work!  Think of the ebb and flow of your life.  Are you a parent?  Your flow probably looks like a school calendar.  Do you work somewhere with a lot of travel?  When do you travel the most versus slower months?  Whatever it looks like make your work list and your rest list, and then observe how and when it starts to change and evolve.  Do you enjoy gardening to unwind?  Then work comes in the spring, and it may turn to rest in the summer, and then work again in the fall. 

Try it out. 
Find your flow. 
Love your work. 
​Rest your soul.