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Deloitte's head of wellbeing Jen Fisher shares 5 things you don't know about rest and recovery, but need to

sleeping man
Set aside a few minutes each day just to relax and be, Deloitte's head of wellbeing Jen Fisher said. Richard Baker/Getty Images

  • Jen Fisher is chief wellbeing officer at Deloitte and writes for Thrive Global, a wellbeing firm founded by Arianna Huffington.

  • In an article published by Thrive Global, she said current events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, have impacted our mental wellbeing.
  • The key to wellbeing is rest and recovery, which are now more important than ever, she said. Here are five things she thinks everyone should know about rest — and why they can make you more effective at work and happier at home.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Jen Fisher is one of the world's most prominent wellbeing experts. She has been chief wellbeing officer at Deloitte for more than five years, and regularly writes for Thrive Global, a wellbeing firm founded by Arianna Huffington. She even has her own wellbeing podcast: WorkWell, where she talks to authors, doctors, and athletes.

The COVID-19 pandemic, widespread economic downturns, and the laying bare of systematic racism have impacted us all, she wrote in a recent article for Thrive Global. Thinking about your wellbeing is therefore more important than ever. The key to wellbeing, she argued, is rest and recovery — and you need more of it than you think.

In the article, she outlined five things everyone should know about rest, and shared advice for creating more downtime in your life.

Prioritizing rest and recovery is not just about getting enough sleep 

Sleep is essential for our mental and physical wellbeing, and people have been struggling with it since the COVID-19 pandemic hit — but rest and recovery isn't just about getting your eight hours. "It's about carving out space and time to be with our thoughts, and connect with a deeper part of ourselves," Fisher said.

Disconnect from the world regularly

Disconnect regularly from those around you — and from social media — with hikes, meditations, or simply sitting down. "Slow down and get quiet," she said.

Taking a break will make you less sleepy in the evenings, and it will also help you think about what actions you can take to feel better about your contributribution to the world, from fighting against unequal treatment to loving yourself and others, she said.

Look for signs of exhaustion

2020 has been full of uncertainty and confusion, and many feel emotionally exhausted. But how can you catch that exhaustion early, and try to address it? 

If you are getting between seven and eight hours of sleep, but still waking up tired, you probably need silent recovery breaks during the day, Fisher said. "Irritability, inability to focus, a lack of energy — these are all signs that we need to restore ourselves," she said. 

You have the right to rest — claim it

Don't worry if those around you are overworking and staying up late. Wellbeing is not about comparing yourself to others — it's about you, and getting the rest you need.

Time spent resting will ultimately benefit your work: When you recover you are more productive, creative, and better at solving problems, she said. "Our effectiveness and resilience in the world — especially during tough times — demands that we view sleep as a non-negotiable," she wrote.

Make the most of your time 

You have limited time and energy, and both are precious, so don't waste them, Fisher said. Resting will help you organize your thoughts and prioritize where to invest your energy. You may have to put boundaries around non-essential parts of your life and focus more on other aspects. She suggested making a to-do list that you update often with the things that matter most to you. 

Strategy Sleep Tips

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