One Of The Most Overlooked Tools for Decision-Making is… Rest? 😴
🎶
“Let it go, let it be, step away”
🎶
From the song, “Set It Free” by Suzan Alakas
As entrepreneurs, the pressure to make constant decisions can take a toll. Like, what software to choose? Which marketing idea to pursue next?
When you’re well-rested, your mind is clearer, your focus is sharper, and you’re more in tune with your intuition.
Let’s explore why rest so helpful for making confident choices and how you can really start using it to your advantage today! 🤗
• Originally written: 29 January 2025
• Last updated: 29 January 2025
• Written by: Suzan Alakas
Suzan is Growtharmony’s Founder and Editor-In-Chief. She is passionate about spreading the amazing work and inspiring stories of heart-centered entrepreneurs working to make the world a better place. When Suzan’s not writing, finding leverage points or learning something new - you can find her in the garden, playing in the snow with her family, or in the kitchen cooking up a nourishing meal!
Why Rest Leads to Better Decisions
Without rest, decision-making can feel like walking through mud…!
Have you ever felt paralyzed by indecision?
Not sure what to do first or what to focus on?
Or have you found yourself waaaaaay overthinking something simple? 😅
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone!
Making Decisions Needs More Than Just Logic
Making great decisions isn’t just about logic - it requires clarity, focus and emotional regulation.
Rest Boosts CLARITY
When your brain is tired, it’s harder to weigh options and think critically.
Rest gives your brain the downtime it needs to process information and make sense of complex problems.
Think of it as hitting the refresh button on your mind! 🧠Rest Enhances EMOTIONAL REGULATION
A rested mind can better manage stress and stay calm under pressure, which is crucial for balanced decision-making.
Exhaustion amplifies stress, which can lead to reactive decisions instead of thoughtful ones.Rest WIDENS Focus:
Overwork can make you fixate on the wrong details, overlooking the bigger picture.
When you’re well-rested, you’re better able to tune into gut feelings and deeper insights.
How to Leverage Rest for Better Decisions
Here are practical ways to incorporate rest into your routine and start making better, more aligned decisions:
Schedule Micro-Breaks
Take 5–10 minutes every hour to step away from work. Stretch, breathe deeply, or simply close your eyes. These small resets can make a big difference in clarity!Sleep on It
For big decisions, give yourself the gift of time. Sleep helps consolidate information and process emotions, making it easier to see the best path forward in the morning. (Larger decisions could benefit from several days or even weeks! ⭐️)Work with Natural Energy Rhythms
Tackle important decisions during the time of day when your energy and focus are naturally at their peak. (For most people, this is mid-morning or early afternoon, but check in with yourself to see when is best for you!)Prioritize Restful Activities
Engage in activities that recharge you - whether it’s cuddling with your family or pets, going for a leisurely walk or listening to music. These restful moments boost creativity and reduce stress, paving the way for better decisions.
Doing Less CAN Help You to Achieve More 💪
When we push through exhaustion, our decision-making suffers - often leading to mistakes, missed opportunities or unnecessary stress.
When you prioritize rest, you create space for better choices (- which lead to better results!)
Contrary to what the hustle culture might lead you to believe, rest isn’t always slowing you down. Sure there are times when it helps to work a little extra, but when it comes to decision making, rest is an underutilized tool that you can take advantage of - and reach even more people with your world-changing work! 💕
Here are ways to leverage nature’s power to reduce stress and increase productivity!
✨ Take our 30 minute ‘Nourishing Meals at HALF the Cost” training to save BIG on your grocery bills and food preparation costs!
✨ Subscribe to the Growtharmony YouTube Channel for more uplifting, actionable tips and videos!