The Case For The ‘Summer Soft Life’ And Why Rest Is A Career Strategy

As the summer begins to heat up, embracing a “soft life” has become more appealing and amplified socially. A soft life is one that’s low-stress, easy, comfortable, fun, self-care focused, and relaxing. People are gravitating towards a soft life in relationships as well as it represents a healthier, burden-free experience where partners build together and do things that make each other happy and feel secure.

Her Agenda caught up with four people living a soft life that have embraced the perks that come with rest. These perks also trickle over to their careers as a soft life has afforded them an opportunity to stress less and be more productive and take better care of themselves.

“Here’s what the hustle culture won’t tell you: well-rested leaders make better decisions, period,” said Dana Mahina, leadership coach and author of B is for Burnout, Not B👠tch. “In my Bloom coaching programs, I’ve watched executives transform their leadership effectiveness simply by protecting their sleep and implementing what I call ‘micro-recoveries’ — five-minute breathing breaks between meetings that prevent the cumulative stress that leads to poor judgment calls.”

Oftentimes rest is frowned upon in business, but creating a schedule that ensures a full reset for your mind and body, is beneficial to yourself and the level of productivity you can add to your career.

Your mind is your gift and key to success. Mind management is the difference between knowing when to take a break or breaking down. In this case, no one wants the latter. Make time to rest and set boundaries for professional and personal life.

“Mindset work is important,” said Lisa Murphy, certified life and wellness coach. “As a self-employed person who used to work very long hours, I have to regularly remind myself to maintain boundaries such as not working nights and weekends. One of my affirmations is ‘I give myself free time, free from worry and doubt.’ So when I catch myself thinking about work in my off hours, I remember that rest is important, too.”

Don’t misconstrue soft life with meek and fragile. Leading a soft professional and personal life means you are doing things at your limit, not beyond your limit. You are scheduling appointments, not overbooking. You are working, but not excessively. You are being productive, but not extensive hours. You are putting yourself and your mental health first.

“I still get things done,” said Samantha Gregory, self-care strategist and founder at Self-Care Oasis. “I still hit goals. But I don’t hustle. I magnetize. I align. I receive. I’ve learned to trust flow more than force.”

“Rest isn’t what you ‘earn’ after burnout, it’s what keeps you from breaking,” said Carolina Migliaccio, chief heart and soul officer of Soulful Moxie. “Integrating rest as a daily rhythm recalibrates both your body and your brand.”

Your body and mind needs rest to perform at its best. Don’t deprive yourself of the one thing it needs the most. Business deals, life changing opportunities, and new ventures all should be made from a refreshed and sound mind.