Originally sent on July 26, 2023

Photo credit: Molnar Balint on Unsplash.

Hi Barb,

The other day, I had trouble focusing while facilitating an online meeting. The speakers were speaking quickly, riffing off one another, using acronyms unfamiliar to me. In addition, I was trying to listen, summarize and type -- all at the same time -- which is never easy for me.  I sensed the group came to a conclusion, but I wasn't exactly sure what it was. I felt frustrated about not "getting it.."

But there was something more: I felt tired. I realized I was suffering from Sedentarius uninterruptus, sitting at my desk, staring at my screen too long, trying to meet deadlines.

I didn't need sleep (passive physical rest) -- I had had several good nights of sleep in a row.  I needed a change of activity and scene.

So I chose to...
... go outside and pull weeds (sensory rest and active physical rest),
... write an email to a friend (social rest), and
... cut out pictures for a collage project (creative rest).  

I didn't let my slavedriving CEO (me) guilt-trip me about not working. I practiced embracing rest as an essential part of my work.

Tomorrow (7/27, 12:30 Central time), I'm facilitating a session to help leaders like you -- and me! -- to get just a little more rest. The session is open to anyone, and there's no cost. Find out more and RSVP.

Please join us! Get just a little more rest and see if it makes a difference.

Warmly,

Barb Bickford

PS -- about the shed I referred to in my last email, I finished painting it!  See the end of this blog for the "after" picture.

If an event has already occurred, the links in this email may not work. Questions? Contact Barb.

RestUP: How leaders can get more rest  - July 27, 2023

We need rest to lead well but rest is not just about sleep! Join us on Thursday, July 27^th, from 12:30 to 2:00 Central time, to learn more about different types of rest and to find ways to get just a little more rest. Learn about the event and register.

Ecocycle Planning / Grow and Let Go - August 16, 2023

Did you miss our workshop "Grow and Let Go" which featured Ecocycle Planning? Join me for an online workshop jointly offered by the Pacific Northwest and Minnesota Organizational Development Networks. No experience necessary -- this workshop is open to anyone interested in planning, innovation and change in organizations. Learn more and register.

Recruiting and Orienting New Board Members - August 3, 2023

Whether you’re planning for the future by identifying board members years in advance or feeling the pressure of critical vacancies mid-year, this webinar will help you ensure your organization recruits high-impact board members and sets them up for success.   Check out this event offered by the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations (PANO).

Recent Blog posts

-- Leading change -- a guest post by Dr. Carrie Goucher
-- Brush up your meeting preparation

My current workshops and courses

Four ways to beat screen fatigue

Are people disengaged in your meetings? Maybe they are just tired!

Give your meeting participants just a little more rest. Try one of these:

1. Get people talking early in the meeting (social rest)  Although the pandemic is officially over, may are still feeling the effects of isolation and craving social connection.  At start of your meeting, ask them a thoughtful question and put them in pairs for a few minutes to have a real conversation. 
   
2. Encourage your participants to get up and stretch between one topic and the next (active physical rest). If suggesting stretching would be too weird, ask them to walk at least 30 steps find an object to talk about. 
   
3. Take breaks more often (environmental rest). Plan breaks into your meeting. Put them on the agenda. Allow five minutes every hour., and ten would be better. Encourage everyone (yourself included) to go outside or look out a window for a few minutes.  
4. Ask people to sketch something (creative rest).  Drawing uses a different part of the brain than linear thinking. Most people are willing to do simple sketches if you give them "artistic talent amnesty". For those who really resist drawing, try Drawing Together, an easy yet profound activity that asks people to illustrate an idea using just five simple shapes. 

To learn more about preparing for meetings, read my latest blog.

Want more tips? Access Ten Tips to Foster Online Engagement.

If you were forwarded this email and want to subscribe click here