Ever heard of parallel lines that must never meet? That must be scientists and REST. Constantly on a mission to save the world, scientists are quick to forget that to save lives, they must save theirs first. A lot of research has exposed the benefits of rest to the human mind and body. For instance, a blog post on the importance of rest by Campbell County Health.reveals that rest can significantly reduce stress and improve focus and mood.
Indeed, the rigors of pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree keep scientists constantly on their toes, trying to squeeze every possible second out of the never-enough 24 hours. Over time, many start seeing rest as mere ‘lazing around’ rather than as a vital opportunity to recharge and rejuvenate, and as a result, they avoid it at all costs!
But contrary to popular belief, rest isn’t just about taking a nap or sleeping in. It can take many forms, including:
- Taking a peaceful walk in the park.
- Sitting by the riverside, listening to the soothing sound of water instead of the constant hum of your PCR machine.
- Stopping by a quiet restaurant to enjoy the sunset from a window seat.
- Saying “yes” to outdoor games with friends rather than burying your head in research papers all day.
- Journaling about things you’re grateful for, instead of obsessing over the day’s failed experiments.
- And yes, sometimes it’s just indulging in that well-deserved, long sleep.
Here are 3 benefits of rest.
1. Rest Sparks Creativity
The endless lab experiments and never-ending to-do lists can make a scientist’s mind perpetually clouded, making it difficult for innovative ideas to break through. However, taking a step back gives the brain time to relax, reboot, and rejuvenate. Who knows? Maybe that hard-to-come-up-with research idea just needs that ray of outdoor sunshine during an evening walk to come to life!
2. Rest Is the Escape Route from Burnout
Mentally intensive tasks such as researching, writing, and studying, which make up the everyday life of scientists, can leave them easily burnt out and constantly overwhelmed, as reported in a study by Nature. By taking time to retreat and recharge, scientist would not just avoid burnout; but also ensure that they can continue their work with passion and energy.
3. Healthier You, Healthier Science
Scientists dedicate their lives to solving the problems of the world, often neglecting their own health in the process. For scientists to make remarkable contributions, rest is essential and should be included in their tight schedules. Scientist must keep in mind that their well-being is directly connected to the quality of their scientific contributions.
At the end of the day, only a living scientist can save lives and contribute to the world. Rest is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for producing excellent science. So, as you navigate the demands of research, remember that prioritizing your well-being is also a way to prioritize your work. Give yourself permission to pause, recharge, and return with renewed creativity and energy.
SmartScifrika isn’t just a community; it’s a home that values the holistic development of scientists. Through our hangout sessions and support network, we create a space for scientists to unwind, connect, and find balance. Because a well-rested scientist isn’t just more productive—they’re unstoppable.
References
- Woolston, C. (2021). How burnout and imposter syndrome blight scientific careers. https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-021-03042-z
- https://www.cchwyo.org/news/2022/november/the-importance-of-rest/