Recharge Week: Embracing Rest and Renewal

It’s “Recharge Week” in my workplace this week. For many of us, this designated period offers a rare chance to pause, recharge, and reset amidst the relentless hustle of our daily grind. For someone of us it is a week labelled in a way that presents some challenges – what exactly does a recharge week look, feel and sound like in the workplace? The aim is to remove (or at least minimise meetings), and to allow for deep think time to permeate whereby we are being recharged through the work we do. It’s also a time to rethink, slow down, and what I am interpreting as interrupting some of those habits that have slipped in that are not serving me so well (e.g. lunch at the laptop, work hours bleeding into personal time, skipping my morning movement routine, or jamming in back-to-back meetings multiple days in a row). But how can we truly make the most of this gift? Let's explore what recharge week could mean for our wellbeing.

The concept of slowing down has faced criticism, often perceived as a privilege reserved for the elite. However, the events of recent years have underscored the universal need to embrace moments of respite. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it's that pausing can be tremendously beneficial, allowing us to reconnect with our priorities and realign our approach to life, work, and relationships.

At its core, the slow movement isn't about complete stagnation; rather, it's about regaining control over the pace of our lives. It's a conscious decision to resist the hustle culture that surrounds us, favouring presence, thoughtfulness, and meaningful connections over mindless productivity.

Perhaps the greatest paradox of the slow movement is that slowing down doesn't necessarily mean doing everything at a glacial pace. Instead, it's about intentionally prioritizing the things that truly matter, allowing us to complete tasks at a more mindful rhythm rather than rushing through on autopilot.

Flourishing is intrinsically linked to the ability to pause and be present. When we interrupt the cycle of constant busyness, we create space to undo the damage of chronic stress and reconnect with the aspects of life that bring us joy and fulfillment.

As I embrace recharge week, I’m reminded that respecting boundaries is a critical component of true rest and rejuvenation. Whether it's communicating my needs to colleagues or honoring others' need for space, fostering an environment of mutual understanding is key. I’m also reminded that I need to audit my own boundaries for how I design my days, weeks, and months.

Ultimately, recharge week is an invitation to realign our priorities, rekindle our passions, and recommit to a life of balance and fulfillment. It's a chance to slow down, not merely in terms of pace, but in our approach to living – embracing intentionality, presence, and the beauty of the present moment.

So, my friends, how might you also embrace a recharge week with open hearts and minds. How could it be a catalyst for lasting change, a reminder that true productivity and success stem from a foundation of rest, rejuvenation, and self-care?

Coach Yourself:

Reflect on your motivations for seeking refreshment. Is it to combat exhaustion, cultivate creativity, or simply hit the reset button? Clarifying your "why" can help you intentionally shape your refresh week experience.
Identify the aspects of your life that feel frenzied or overwhelming. What small steps can you take this week to slow down and create space for deeper engagement?
Make a list of tasks or projects you've been rushing through lately. Which ones deserve more of your undivided attention and care? Commit to slowing down and savoring the process for at least one of these during recharge week.
Schedule a daily "pause practice" during recharge week, even if it's just 10-15 minutes. Use this time to breathe deeply, meditate, journal, or simply sit in stillness, allowing your mind and body to rejuvenate. How can this be transferred into your regular schedule?
What boundaries might you need to set or reinforce during recharge week? How can you kindly yet firmly communicate these to those around you, be it coworkers, family, or friends?

As recharge week draws to a close, take a moment to reflect on the insights, inspirations, and renewed energy you've gained. How can you integrate these into your daily life, ensuring that the spirit of refreshment becomes a constant companion?