5 Steps To Increase Rest And Productivity

You wake up hung over.  The problem is that you didn’t go out clubbing or drinking, it was just a regular night of ministry.  That’s because ministry will take a toll on you.  If not done right it will rob you of rest.

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And you need rest.  It’s just as important as your prayer life because it will:

• Take advantage of the margin in your life.
• Give yourself the opportunity to recover.
• Have the ability to process big decisions.

The challenge is figuring out how and when to rest.  Here are 5 steps you can take to increase your rest and your productivity:

STEP 1: SCHEDULING A GOOD NIGHT’S REST

Easier said than done, but so important.  WebMD says the average adult needs 7.5-8 hours of sleep (Click here for more).  No matter the number a good night’s rest will allow your mind and body to recover.

It might seem like a sacrifice at first, but you can always DVR those late night shows. Turn off any screens around you 30 minutes before you shut your eyes. Set the next day up for success by getting to bed on time.

STEP 2: BUILDING MARGIN IN THE MORNING

When you rush into action you tend to make mistakes. Allow your body to focus in the morning by waking up a little earlier than usual.  Take those few minutes to:

• Spend quiet time with God.
• Review goals for the day.
• Get a little exercise in.
• Just sit in silence.

Might sound like another thing to do, but it’ll allow you to get your day started strong. Build margin in the morning by making it a part of your routine.

STEP 3: TAKING ADVANTAGE OF DAYS OFF

You are allowed to have blank days on your calendar.  In fact you should have at least one each week.  Take advantage of your off days by doing what fills you.  Do the same with vacation as well.

Those days are meant to fill you and refuel you.  Plan your weeks around them and do not make them an afterthought. Prioritize them because they are important.

STEP 4: ENJOYING AN ACTUAL LUNCH BREAK

Lunch can seem so insignificant because you can grab a bite to eat anywhere. Most people’s lunch break is an afterthought or worst a myth. But, it’s one of the most important periods of your work day.

When you take a lunch break you allow yourself to breathe.  It’s like fueling up on a road trip.  It will get you through your day without you burning out. Find a quiet place and enjoy each bite, seriously.

STEP 5: CREATING A STOP DOING LIST

The push back to rest is feeling like you have no time.  That’s because you are doing too much.  Before you can schedule in prayer, quiet time or any type of rest you need to stop doing a few things.

Sit down and create a list of things that you should not be doing (Do this with a supervisor or a trustworthy person). Look at what can be delegated.  Pass it off so that you can make rest a part of your life.

The more you embrace rest the more you will be able to do.  Your time is valuable because it impacts your energy, productivity and focus.  Don’t rob yourself of rest.  Make it a priority and rediscover the joy of why you do ministry.

[reminder] How do you find rest in ministry? [/reminder]