When we sleep, our brains are essentially flushed with cerebral spinal fluids, which may help clear out toxins that accumulate in the brain.1 Tired leaders may feel as if they are effective, but in reality, tiredness results in more mistakes and a decreased work pace.
Our leadership abilities are directly tied to a well-rested brain, and we must promote healthy sleeping habits for ourselves and those we work with. When we are tired, we just don’t do as well. We tend to be short with others and harder on ourselves.
However, we cannot deny our biology, as much as we may want to. We have to sleep. Unfortunately, many of us around the world are not.
Some sobering statistics include:
For many people, though, there is no respite from the daily grind. Our obligations don’t go away when we need more sleep. If anything, we feel the pressures around us even more acutely when we are tired. What if life didn’t have to be this way? What if we could take the time needed to rest properly, take the time to nourish our bodies and souls, and still have time to do a great job at work?
There is a time for many words, and there is also a time for sleep.
Homer, The Odyssey
We expect ourselves to do more while taking care of ourselves less. We expect better performance from a stressed, overtired brain. The reality is, we are dancing on a house of cards. At any moment, one more thing could topple this fragile existence. When we have balance, we aren’t perched precariously on a house of cards ready to fall over. Instead, our foundation is firm and supportive and ready to propel us forward.
Are you able to look in the mirror and honestly say out loud:
When your brain is too tired to perform, you are too tired to enjoy existence. And what is life if we don’t have moments of happiness?
The brutal, hard answer is that for some, balance will find them by taking a toll on their physical and mental health. Working more than 55 hours a week increases your risk of a stroke by over 30%.7 For many, finding balance comes too late, after damage has already been done to their bodies.
Most people (even the extremely wealthy) have obligations they cannot ignore. However, there are many things we feel obligated to do that we shouldn’t. Working extra because it is expected without compensation isn’t altruistic, it means you are being taken advantage of.
Stop for a moment and assess the things in your life. If it’s toxic and requires you to work past the point of exhaustion, perhaps some tough decisions need to be made.
Are you feeling fatigued?
These Stories on Performance
Founder & CEO
About my Brain Institute
Scientist, educator, author, speaker, coach, award-winning leadership specialist, filmmaker and creator of the i4 Neuroleader Model & Methodology.
Silvia's scientific background and curiosity about the human brain led her to a decade long journey of research into optimal brain functioning and the application of neuroscience in leadership and daily life. Her past and current roles have uniquely prepared her for the current undertaking, that of leadership activist & change agent.
Silvia Damiano founded The About my Brain Institute in 2009, with the purpose of democratising leadership & neuroscience. She has a passionately held belief, that leaders in our 21st century global economy and their organisations must radically change long-held ideas of what constitutes effective leadership
In her ground-breaking books ‘Leadership is Upside Down’, ‘Brain-Friendly Leadership’ and the 2018 documentary ‘Make Me A Leader’, Silvia provides both compelling evidence and explores the importance of leadership in our personal and professional lives and what it takes to develop the human behind the leader.
Silvia has worked in different countries, across many industries, helping teams and organisations improve business performance. Silvia’s clients have described her as a passionate, dynamic, a highly experienced speaker and master facilitator on the topics of Emotional Intelligence, Cultural Change, Neuroleadership & Engagement.
Silvia is passionate about leaving a legacy of well-rounded leaders who can act and decide in a way that better serves humanity. Her clients include Microsoft, Australian Stock Exchange, NSW Government, VISA, Fuji Xerox and Manpower amongst many other global companies.
Monday to Friday
9:00am - 5:00pm (AEST)
Sydney, Australia
We reply within 48 hours!
General Business Enquiries:
hello@aboutmybrain.com
Technical Support:
support@aboutmybrain.com
No Comments Yet
Let us know what you think