What’s your relationship with rest like?
I’ve never been great at resting and switching off. Tbh, I’ve been terrible at it. I spent the last 5 years using my annual leave to work on MusicFootballFatherhood. I saw building my organisation as my rest, it was my way of escapism. I loved it, you literally couldn’t tempt me away. I remember doing a test which showed I was a ‘mild’ workaholic to which my wife laughed (she says I was atleast a medium – to use a Nandos analogy 🤣🍗😜).
The first few months of 2021 were really challenging. Lockdowns, work stress and a family bereavement meant that life was chaotic. And then, come June, we had an amazing book launch which took me to the other extreme of emotions – elation and gratitude as we celebrated the success of DAD.
I’ve now come to a point in my life, for my physical and mental health, where I literally NEED to have a better relationship with rest. It’s taken years, and a health scare, to realise that I can work on and in my purpose while also finding time to rest and recuperate.
So for the first time EVER, I’ve had a proper extended break over the summer. We spent two weeks in Ibiza and since coming back, I’ve been taking it easy. Doing a few emails here and there but on the whole I’ve been able to mentally switch off.
Here’s us yesterday spending the day with my sister Nicola Rae-Wickham and my daughter’s ‘sister cousins’! I love this picture ❤😍
The break has been so needed and I feel very blessed to be in a position to be able to take it. My mind is clear and I’m excited to get back to my work properly next week. September is always a busy time but this year feels like it’s going to be more hectic than usual. Our children go back to school and many of us will start to go back into offices. There will be the usual annual rush to launch things and get things done before then end of the year. I’m ready to go and so excited by all the projects I’ll be working on and clients and friends that I’ll be working with.
What’s your relationship with rest like? Are you able to switch off? What do you do to chill out?