Are you as tired as I am?

I’m tired.

I’m not sure if it’s a response to the last few years, or if I’m just busier than usual. But lately, I’ve just been finding myself wanting to crawl under the covers and hide for a while. (With a good book, of course.)

I realized, too, that my fatigue is affecting my ability to work at my best. It’s not a physical thing – it’s my brain, my creativity, that needs a rest.

I’m guessing you understand what I mean. Because work in our world of nonprofits and fundraising takes a lot of attention and caring. And it hasn’t gotten any easier, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic.

We confuse busy with effective

You might have seen this on Twitter. It’s funny/not funny, especially if you’re an American. I see my European and Canadian friends taking real vacations… and being away when they’re away.

Somehow, that kind of break has come to mean you’re “weak” or don’t care enough here. Bah.

The truth is, working nonstop hurts. It hurts you, but it also hurts how well you do your work. So if you’re chasing fundraising goals, the best thing you can do might be to stop. Step away from the worry and the work.

Science says tired and creativity don’t work

Scientists discovered that taking breaks and resting actually boost our creativity. When we give our minds time to rest, we give our brains time to make new connections and come up with new ideas.

Have you ever worked on a puzzle, staring at it, willing the answers to come to you…

Then given up and walked away, only to return a few hours later and find the answers are right there?

That’s what we need to be our best.

Sleep and your brain

Scientists are still not sure exactly how sleeping recharges our brains. But there are some really interesting ideas. One scientist posits that during REM sleep, various parts of your neocortex are activated. At the same time, a chemical (acetylcholine) floods your brain, disrupting connections between your hippocampus and neocortex and making them more flexible. That means connections between neurons are more easily formed, strengthened, or weakened.

Cool idea, isn’t it? All those brain cells, getting stuff done while you rest!

Even a nap might be enough. Another study found that “…people are more creative after waking from the earliest stage of sleep, especially when they are guided to dream about a particular topic.”

So, how do you fit rest into your busy schedule?

This is the hard part, isn’t it? I think the answer is not trying to “fit it in” but prioritizing it. If you manage other people, make room for them to do this. And if you have to persuade your boss, refer to the science.

When you value rest, you create a better, more supportive environment.

You need to feel your best to do your best. It matters.

I’ve found sometimes it only takes a few hours away. The key is being “away”. For me, that means being alone. (I’m an introvert, so that’s how my batteries recharge. If you’re an extrovert, you might want time with friends – but no work talk!)

I might take a long drive. The driving part keeps the squirrels in my brain busy enough to leave me alone with my thoughts. And if I drive toward my favorite pizza place? Well… bonus.

Or I hide out in a quiet part of the house with a book and some music. Or take a walk. Whatever works for you, the key is to do it!

How will rest improve your fundraising?

With a refreshed mind and boosted creativity, you’ll be amazed at what you’re able to do! When we’re dragging, everything takes longer. We make more mistakes. We even say things we wish we hadn’t said.

None of that is good for your work or for you.

Whatever your area of work, you need your whole self to do it well. Creativity isn’t so much about mastering an art form as it is about the unexpected connections you can make.

And caring for other people soon becomes impossible unless you also care for yourself. (Ask any new parent!) This isn’t an indulgence, it’s a necessity.

Your work is important. To you, to your mission. But you need to be your best to do your best. So the best thing you could do today might be to just… stop.

For a while, at least.

Photo by Cris Saur on Unsplash