At least not if you use the common meaning of the term rest. Most people mean ‘getting out of work’ or ‘relief from effort’ when they say they need to rest. But if it’s real recovery you’re after, it’s not enough to ‘take time off’. Nor is it enough to lie down and close your eyes. If you cannot switch off your thoughts and put yourself in a peaceful state of mind, there will still be no quality in your recovery, even if it looks like you’re resting. This is because recovery is a complex process controlled by a psychophysiological system of nerves and hormones, which in turn are controlled by higher cognitive and emotional functions in the brain. This whole anabolical system is constructed in such a way that recovery processes cannot ‘kick in’ and become effective until you are in a calm state of mind. Mental relaxation, i.e. the ability to enter a calm mental state, is crucial for quality recovery.
Another common misconception about resting is that burnout/lasting fatigue is due to overwork and that it is relief that will solve the problem. But however relieved you are in an external sense, it is not certain that worried thoughts will cease. If your head is spinning with thoughts like: ‘I should…’, ‘I have to…’, ‘how long will I feel like this?’, ‘I’m afraid the tablets will cause side effects’, ‘what will my colleagues think of me for letting them down like this’, ‘I have to get a good night’s sleep tonight’… it is of course impossible to get some peace of mind and mental relaxation. And then there will be no good recovery, no matter how much time off or sick leave you take.
Qualitative recovery means replenishing several different energy systems. In addition to a good ability to relax, you need to top up with inspiration, enjoyable and meaningful activities, socialising with people who give you energy. Sleep is a separate chapter in this context. And more, and more. If you want to learn more about the components of recovery and get a more in-depth explanation of how to improve it, you can send an email to clas.m@clasmalmstrom.se and you will receive (for free!) a pdf describing a basic programme for enhanced recovery.