Resting and Recharging: ending the year strong

As the year draws to a close, many of us are wrapping up medical school placements, moving through different hospital rotations as junior doctors, or even taking some well-deserved time off before the new year begins.

Whatever stage you are in, the last few weeks of December are usually used for reflecting on the current year and preparing for the year that's to come. One way I will be doing this is by resting and recharging in preparation for the exciting year ahead! 

I think it's important that we all take this time to rest and recharge, but also ensure that we have a clear understanding of the definition of resting and recharging and what that means for us specifically. What does resting and recharging mean to you? Take a moment to reflect on your personal needs!

Resting is done usually when we are tired. Rest becomes necessity when we have completed actions that have depleted us physically, emotionally, mentally and more. I see rest as something that should be regularly done in your routine, meaning at least once a day (hopefully more!) you are intentionally taking the time to cease from work and the business of the day in order to relax.

Rest isn’t just about recovering from tiredness; it’s about building resilience and preventing burnout. Regular rest is shown to improve focus, boost creativity, and even strengthen the immune system. Think about how you feel after a good night’s sleep or a peaceful moment of quiet - hopefully your mind feels clearer, your energy is renewed, and you’re better equipped to tackle challenges. So, I would say that whilst rest can seem like a luxury; it’s a necessity for sustainable success.

For me, the best way I love to rest is: sleep! A nap hates to see me coming! Sleeping is a vital part of human nature therefore for me, ensuring that I sleep for the correct amount of hours in a day, or even take a nap when my body calls for it, means that I tackle each day being as rested as I can possibly be.

As well as resting, it is important to recharge! Especially as we are reaching the end of the year and have worked so hard this quarter, it is important to refill our batteries and regain the strength and energy needed to continue again.

Most of us have phones, and, as we know, the best way to recharge a battery is to plug it in and leave it alone! Therefore, I see the best way for me to recharge is to take some time off! If this means for you scheduling some annual leave at the end of the year, booking a holiday, or even turning off your phone, refusing to check emails, and shutting off for some time—go ahead and do it! 

Recharging looks different for everyone. If you find joy and gain energy from meeting up with loved ones, or perhaps you recharge by going to the gym or spending time in nature, everyone has an activity that restores their energy and passion for life. 

Take some time to experiment with different approaches and find what works best for you. 

It is so important to take the time to refuel ourselves before stepping into the new year, remembering that we are not machines but human beings naturally built to rest and recharge.

Whether you need to rest, recharge, or both this winter break, be sure to set aside some dedicated time for yourself! Think about ways in which you personally enjoy resting and fit it into your schedule before beginning the work on the great plans and goals set for 2025. Take a moment to schedule your rest and recharge time today—your 2025 self will thank you!