Hardest Pill to Swallow: Rest?

In the fast-paced world of compliance and ethics, where the stakes are high and the pressure to perform is relentless, the importance of rest often gets overlooked. Compliance professionals are tasked with navigating complex regulations, enabling organizational integrity and mitigating risks — all of which can lead to significant stress. 

However, the necessity of rest as a vital component of well-being and resilience cannot be overstated.

The case for rest

Well-being and mental clarity

Rest is not just about sleeping; it’s about allowing the mind, body and spirit to truly and deeply recover. For compliance professionals, a well-rested mind is crucial for maintaining sharp decision-making skills and keen attention to detail. Chronic fatigue can lead to impaired cognitive function, which is detrimental in a field where accuracy is paramount.

Resilience in the face of challenges

Resilience, or the ability to bounce back from setbacks, is essential in compliance work. A well-rested individual is more adaptable and better equipped to handle unexpected challenges. Taking time to recharge can enhance emotional regulation, enabling compliance professionals to approach problems with a clear mind and a constructive attitude.

Recovery from strain

Just like muscles need downtime to recover from a strenuous workout, compliance professionals need rest to recover from the rigors of the job. We are human beings, not human “do-ings” — we aren’t like automatons that never require replenishment. The type of work that compliance professionals engage in is draining in the best of times and can completely deplete a person when times are tough. Repair to handle the bumps and bruises we have along the way is just as important as an adequate budget or tone at the top.

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The challenge of rest

My father always said that the best medicine was the tincture of time and rest, but honestly, the concept of not doing anything just never resonated with me. Doctors continue to give people instructions to just rest, but often they don’t tell you what rest really means and how to get it. 

This is akin to saying, just do the right thing, but not giving guidance on how to make decisions. We know as compliance and ethics professionals that this type of guidance without a framework and set of measurements: Just. Doesn’t. Work.

Despite the clear benefits, many compliance professionals struggle to prioritize rest. The demands of the job — tight deadlines, constant vigilance and the need to stay updated on ever-evolving regulations — often push rest to the bottom of the to-do list. We get so lost in urgency that we can easily forget the responsibilities that are important but lack the emergency feeling. The culture of overwork can create a mindset where taking breaks is viewed as a luxury rather than a necessity. There is also a bit of FOMO if we take a break.

Additionally, guilt often accompanies the idea of stopping what we are doing in that we worry others will bear the burden of our work or that we will be perceived as lazy. Professionals may worry about falling behind or letting their teams down, which can lead to a cycle of perfectionism followed by burnout. This is particularly problematic in a field that requires diligence and ethical fortitude, as burnout can cloud judgment and lead to compliance failures.

One of the biggest reasons we avoid rest or don’t know how to manage time is because we have become a group of adrenaline and dopamine addicts. Too many of us are getting our fixes through being needed and the constant din of notifications and work contact. It’s important to break that cycle.

Practical steps for a better rest regimen

1. Set boundaries (and stick to them): Clearly define your activity hours. Communicate these boundaries to colleagues and supervisors to foster a culture of respect for downtime.
2. Schedule breaks: Incorporate short breaks throughout your day, your week, your month and even your year. Scheduled time to step away helps to create predictability and a higher likelihood that you will follow through on healthy routines.
3. Prioritize sleep: Aim for quality sleep every night. Establish a bedtime routine that promotes relaxation and predictability. Habits like this create a pattern that the brain can settle into.
4. Engage in mindfulness: Practices like meditation or yoga can help clear your mind and reduce stress. Even a few minutes of a mindfulness habit daily can improve your resilience.
5. Practice self-compassion: Allow yourself to take breaks without guilt. Recognize that rest is essential for sustained performance and overall health.
6. Utilize technology mindfully: Use apps that promote healthy habits, such as reminders for breaks or sleep tracking. However, be mindful of technology use that can lead to overstimulation.
7. Stop substituting non-restful activities: It is all too common to mistake activities that are actually detrimental with rest. For example, social media consumption, binge-watching the latest streaming show or being engaged in deep conversation are all examples of active processing, which doesn’t help us rest truly and get to a passive processing state.
8. Seek support: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider speaking with a mentor, a physician or mental health professional. They can provide additional strategies tailored to your unique situation.

Conclusion

Rest is not merely a break from work; it is a fundamental pillar of well-being and resilience for compliance professionals. By recognizing the challenges of embracing rest and implementing practical steps to prioritize it, individuals in our demanding field can enhance effectiveness, promote mental health and ultimately foster a more ethical and resilient workplace culture. Embracing rest as an essential part of your regimen is not just good for you; it’s good for your organization, too.