Reclaiming Rest
The Radical Power of Doing Nothing
We live in a world that worships productivity. Hustle culture, efficiency hacks, and the glorification of being ‘busy’ have become the modern gospel. Rest? That’s often seen as laziness, a luxury, or something you ‘earn’ after exhausting yourself.
But what if rest isn’t something we should have to justify? What if doing nothing isn’t just beneficial but essential?
The Myth of Constant Productivity
Somewhere along the way, we absorbed the idea that our worth is tied to our output. This, dear reader, is the productivity wound. The flawed and distorted belief that to be valuable, we must always be doing, achieving, or producing. This belief has led to an epidemic of burnout, anxiety, and disconnection from ourselves.
But nature doesn’t function this way. The ocean has tides. The moon has phases. Even the most powerful creatures on Earth rest. A woman has a menstrual cycle. for goodness sake! We are not any different. So why, then, do we buy into believing that we are?
Why Rest is a Radical Act
Choosing rest in a culture obsessed with productivity is an act of rebellion. It’s choosing to prioritise your well-being over societal expectations. It’s choosing to listen to your body and mind rather than external pressures. Holy hell. This is the guts of the deep, silent revolution of self-love that is gently, mindfully, unapologetically resetting our norms as a collective.
Rest isn’t just about sleep; it’s about restoration.
It’s the space between exertion. The pause between breaths. The moment you allow yourself to simply be without guilt or justification. We’ve all heard the buzz about the parasympathetic nervous system and how vital it is to get ourselves out of ‘fight or flight’, but if we don’t rest we don’t have the baseline energy to even pretend we're balanced.
The Power of Doing Nothing
Resting isn’t a waste of time—it’s an investment. It feeds creativity, enhances problem-solving, and strengthens emotional resilience. Some of history’s greatest thinkers—Einstein, Da Vinci, and Nietzsche—all emphasized the importance of idle time. The Bible has lots to say about rest. Ever heard of the Sabbath Day?
The glittery little secret bonus? When you stop forcing output, inspiration has space to arrive.
How to Reclaim Rest Without Guilt
1. Redefine Your Relationship with Rest
Rest is not ‘doing nothing’—it’s doing something deeply necessary. Start seeing rest as fuel, not failure. Start asking ‘have I rested enough to be productive?’ and watch your priorities flip into alignment!
2. Schedule Rest Like You Schedule Work
Block out time for non-negotiable rest. Whether it’s an afternoon nap, an hour of daydreaming, a weekend retreat, or a tech-free evening, treat it as essential.
3. Embrace the ‘Unproductive’ Moments
Not every second needs to be filled. Watch the clouds. Sit in silence. Walk without a podcast. Give yourself permission to exist without needing to ‘achieve.’
Journal Prompts
Complete the sentence: If I allowed myself to rest without guilt, I would feel ________.
The last time I felt truly restored was when ________.
One belief I have about rest that no longer serves me is ________.
The Rest Revolution Starts With You
Resting isn’t lazy. It’s not indulgent. It’s a return to balance. By reclaiming rest, we reclaim our energy, creativity, and joy. So take a deep breath, slow down, and let rest be part of your power.
Next up: The Courage to Begin Again: Embracing New Chapters Without Fear.
Stay tuned!