Rest, Relax, Reflect
15 December, 2022
In October 2020, a wise man from the streets of South Africa grew to popular meme fame when he told his friends (and in turn, every South African) to “Rest, bafowethu. (Rest, my brothers)”.
After the long, pandemic riddled year that was 2020, these words resonated and connected with many across the land. The year was testing, unprecedented and asked for plenty of us emotionally, mentally, and physically.
Fast forward a couple of years later and his words remain wise and true. As we all rise from the proverbial ashes of the devastating pandemic, we’ve had to increase the feeling and attitude of survival mode. In a never-ceasing attempt to get back to what we once considered normal, we’ve worked harder than we ever have, stressed more than ever before, and have approached every single day as a fight for our very survival and existence.
A necessary approach, certainly. But it is also one that has meant many of us have given everything we have (and then some) to the year 2022. So much so that this year’s end of year fatigue feels more intense than the many that have come before it. We’re all feeling it, dealing with it, and living with it.
Now more than ever, the importance of easing up as the year comes to an end cannot be stressed enough. So, this is your 2022 reminder to spend the last few weeks of the year resting, relaxing, and reflecting.
Rest because, well, you’ve earned it. You’ve worked hard, put in countless hours and – before the signs of burnout become obvious – take a moment to take some time out.
Relax because you deserve to do something that makes you feel at ease. Something you enjoy and brings you joy.
Finally, reflect. Often, in what feels like the ceaseless everyday grind, we don’t take time to reflect and revel in our successes and wins.
As 2022 draws to a close, remember the three R’s. Not only are they essential to getting you back to feeling your best, but they also set you up for a renewed and rejuvenated 2023.