Restoration as a Lifestyle: Reclaiming Joy and Intentionality

In this episode of Radio Headspace, clinical leader and DEIB specialist Samantha Edew explores the pervasive challenge of burnout and the necessity of shifting our perspective on restoration. Rather than viewing rest as a reward to be earned after a long week, Edew argues that restoration must be practiced as an ongoing, intentional lifestyle.

The Reality of Empathy Drain

As a professional working in the field of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), Edew notes that her work is deeply fulfilling but also "exhausting." Because the role requires an "extensive amount of empathy and compassion," she often finds herself pouring into others while neglecting her own well-being. This "empathy drain" is a common struggle for those in helping professions, leading to a state where one feels "a lot burned out." For Edew, a planned weekend getaway failed to provide the expected relief, revealing that quick fixes are insufficient when the underlying approach to self-care is passive.

Rediscovering Joy: A Catalyst for Restoration

Edew’s turning point occurred during a flight, where she observed a father and son experiencing the magic of air travel for the first time. Their excitement reminded her of a time when she, too, would "relish in the plane taking off" and find wonder in simple things, such as the weight of the clouds. This realization led to a profound insight: "Get back to your joy because if you get back to your joy that lives within you, that’s where restoration lives." By allowing joy to take a "backseat" to the demands of production, she had lost touch with the very thing that replenishes her spirit.

Practical Steps Toward a Lifestyle of Restoration

To move toward a more sustainable way of living, Edew suggests several actionable strategies:

• Regular Check-ins: Edew emphasizes the need to "truly, truly, truly check in with yourself." This consistent self-assessment is the only way to identify what you actually need in any given moment.
• Intentionality: Whether taking a day off, having coffee with a friend, or spending time alone, Edew advises being "intentional about the day." This means being fully present in the moment, which signals to your "nervous system that it is safe in that space to just chill."
• Redefining Productivity: A critical part of her journey involved teaching her nervous system that it is "okay with not overproducing 100% of the time." By intentionally showing up at 50% capacity, she found she could still produce "great work" while reserving the other 50% to "fill [her] own cup."

Conclusion

Edew concludes by reminding listeners that they have the autonomy to decide how much energy they distribute to work and home, provided they always reserve a percentage for themselves. By treating restoration as a daily, intentional practice rather than an occasional luxury, we can build a life that feels more balanced, sustainable, and connected to our authentic selves.