How To Be More Productive In Your Teacher Business: Rest!

Hello there, fellow entrepreneur teacher! 

I know all too well the hustle and grind of running a teacher business. Teacherpreneurs often overwork themselves and put their essential needs on the back burner. This tendency negatively impacts our businesses. It's time to change that. And there are some very compelling reasons to do so.

In this resource, I'm diving into the downsides of over-productivity (hello, burnout, and no time for loved ones) and why you need to steer clear of them. I'll show you how embracing the right kind of rest affects your brain and supercharges your efficiency, creativity, and overall success as a business owner.

I'll also include tips for productivity if you want support in figuring out how to integrate rest throughout your busy day. 

It turns out that one of my best productivity tips for how to be more productive is to do less!

Are you ready to reclaim the balance you deserve as you make an impact? 

Burnout Syndrome and The Negative Effects of Over-Productivity

We've all experienced the pitfalls of over-productivity. The relentless pursuit of our to-do lists takes a toll on our wellbeing and effectiveness, leading to burnout.

But what is burnout? 

The World Health Organization defines burnout as a syndrome caused by chronic work stress that's not being managed well. It's characterized by feelings of depletion (exhaustion), negativism or cynicism about your work (lack of engagement), and reduced efficacy. The National Institutes of Health adds that burnout syndrome is also characterized by a lack of accomplishment (underperformance).

Once the syndrome sets in, it depletes our energy and dampens our motivation. The constant pressure to do more often erodes self-worth and leaves us feeling inadequate despite what we're doing well.

Over-productivity robs us of valuable time with loved ones and disrupts the delicate balance between work and life. The fatigue accompanying a relentless work pace hinders our ability to perform at our best, ultimately affecting the success of our teacher businesses and possibly our health. 

Other negative impacts of over-productivity are:

• Insomnia
• Sadness, anger, or irritability
• Alcohol or substance misuse
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes
• Vulnerability to illnesses

Burnout is also rising globally, with 41% of U.S.-based workers reporting burnout. Women are particularly vulnerable, with 46% reporting burnout, compared to 37% of men.

It's critical to heal burnout syndrome and learn ways to prevent it proactively. By acknowledging its adverse effects and embracing a more balanced approach, we can improve our lives and enhance our long-term success as entrepreneur teachers.

How Rest Helps You Avoid Burnout's Negative Effects

Rest isn't a luxury—it's vital for your overall wellbeing and sustained success. Incorporating periods of rest and breaks into your routine boosts productivity, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. It also increases brain health. By taking good care of yourself, you can prevent burnout and cultivate a healthier mindset and sense of self-worth, positively impacting your business. 

Prioritizing personal wellbeing and nurturing relationships outside of work brings joy, renews energy and focus, and enables you to thrive as an individual and business owner. 

It's time to shift our perspective and recognize that rest is not a hindrance but a pathway to greater efficiency and fulfillment as teacherpreneurs.

Rediscover Your Big WHY

Remember why you embarked on this journey of entrepreneurship in the first place. It wasn't just about making a living - it was about finding more time for the things that matter. It was about building a better quality of life. 

Take a moment to reconnect with these motivations. Was it spending quality time with loved ones, achieving more work-life balance, making more money, or making a difference? Or some combination of these? 

You can better align your actions with your initial goals by incorporating rest into your teacher businesses. Rest becomes not just a means to recharge but a strategic tool for achieving what you set out to do. 

Let's embrace the power of rest and prioritize wellbeing, as rest is key to a fulfilling and purpose-driven entrepreneurial journey.

How To Be More Productive: Engage Your Brain's Default Mode Network

Now that I've talked up "rest," let's define it and explore practical strategies for incorporating it into our busy days. 

When it comes to rest, it's not what you may think it is. The kind of rest that helps stave off burnout syndrome is the kind that engages your brain's default mode network. The less you "do," the more your body and brain can truly rest. 

This is generally not the time to schedule exercise, connect with loved ones, or even do a relaxing hobby - unless these things are so restful that they engage your default network. Don't do anything that feels remotely like a "to-do" or "should-do" activity. 

Signs you're engaging the default network are:

• The sensation of being on "autopilot"
• Daydreaming
• Calm, slow breathing
• Feeling deeply soothed
• Contemplation

So, how can you encourage your default mode network "rest" (DMN rest) as a teacherpreneur? 

First, create acceptance and space for DMN rest to happen. You can do this by designating and sticking to breaks that fit your work style. If you enjoy more spontaneity, you could try two 15-minute breaks anytime during your day. 

Setting boundaries around DMN rest breaks is also essential. Finally, you need to prioritize restful self-care - yes, especially during work sessions. You'll probably feel guilty for even trying to rest - instead, begin pivoting to see it as a fundamental part of your workday.

Here are more of my best productivity tips for teacherpreneurs who want to "do less:"

• Light napping
• Stopping at the designated time by using a timer
• Doing an active rest like yoga nidra or restorative yoga
• Activities that make you feel like you're zoned out or daydreaming (coloring, etc.)
• Slowing down to do a body check
• Research ideas for restful self-care
• Wear an eye mask and do a mediation 
• Get into nature and practice mindfulness

Rest is a Catalyst for Success

Rest is a catalyst for engagement and long-term success. Remember you're running a marathon, not a sprint, and managing your energy and wellbeing is an investment in your business. 

By redefining productivity to include intentional periods of rest, you can tap into a wellspring of efficiency, consistency, and creativity. Embracing rest allows you to recharge, gain a fresh perspective, and approach your business with renewed vigor. Prioritizing wellbeing also helps us foster stronger relationships with clients and customers. 

So, let's banish the guilt associated with rest and embrace it as a powerful tool for achieving goals and making a meaningful impact.

Conclusion

In your journey as a teacher business owner, it's crucial to recognize the harmful effects of over-productivity and the importance of incorporating rest into your work. Prioritizing wellbeing will help you avoid burnout, nurture your self-worth, and create a healthy work-life balance. 

Rest isn't a hindrance - it's a productive investment in your long-term success. Reconnect with your initial motivations, reclaim control over your time, and make a difference in your personal and professional lives. By embracing rest and balance, you can achieve your goals, enhance your creativity, and find fulfillment.

Do You Want More Tips for Productivity?

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