How to rest without feeling unproductive
This is something I am learning to do. Unfortunately I only seem to get deep rest when I get sick, which is usually the result of not getting enough rest and relaxation. Rest does seem like an elusive luxury rather than a necessity for us Type A types. We tend to be driven, meticulous and highly self sufficient and I know I certainly have a tendency to tie my worth to my productivity. Definitely stems from childhood as I’ve eluded to in previous articles. The idea of slowing down can feel like wasted time to me.
I am learning that true productivity and success can’t really be sustained without intentional rest. Learning how to relax without feeling unproductive is a skill I’m developing because I know that it will foster long term efficiency, mental clarity and overall well being.
Rest isn’t just about sleep or relaxation - it also encompasses physical rest (taking a break from physical exertion), mental rest (disengaging from work or stressors), emotional rest (doing activities that bring joy and fulfilment) and social rest (stepping away from interactions with others). Understanding these other dimensions will help identify areas that are being neglected.
The need for rest
Rest sometimes seems the enemy of productivity but it is actually a necessary pillar that sustains high performance. I know from experience that chronic overwork leads to stress and illness. When we resist rest, well, we are compromising the ability to maintain the high standards we set for ourselves. Rest allows the brain to process information, consolidate memories and enhance problem solving abilities. I believe I have read somewhere that Albert Einstein took regular rest breaks and naps which aided his problem solving and development of ideas.
Reframing rest as a form of productivity
A big challenge is shifting the mindset that rest equals laziness. Instead of thinking about rest as ‘doing nothing’, it should be seen as ‘active recovery.’ I have been thinking about how sports people require rest days to build endurance and strength. It's OK for them...so the same philosophy should apply to high functioning individuals as well.
Reframing rest involves recognising it contributes to productivity in the long run. Scheduling intentional breaks and treating them as non negotiable appointments can help rewire the brain to accept rest as an essential part of success. I’m starting to view rest as an investment in my well being to help overcome the feelings of guilt I sometimes experience when I’m relaxing.
Productivity is not about working harder but smarter. This is a core concept of soft life living. How can we be productive without the constant thought of working harder or hustling?
How to structure rest of the overthinking mind
Thriving on control and structure is how I am wired so having unplanned rest feels overwhelming and sometimes anxiety inducing. Therefore creating a structured approach to rest will make it feel more purposeful - so satisfying the control freak nature but attaining a soft life element as well.
Some ideas:
Time blocking for relaxation - scheduling rest periods the same as scheduling a meeting.Setting boundaries - establishing specific work hours and resting the urge to extend into personal time.
Engaging in active rest - activities like reading, meditative walks, creative hobbies do provide a sense of purpose whilst still offering relaxation.Practicing mindfulness - meditation and deep breathing exercises can help the mind accept rest and stillness.
I like the idea of taking micro breaks throughout the day as well. These can be really beneficial - a short walk, stretching exercises, a quick nap perhaps?I am trying to overcome my sometimes inflexibility and rigid structures but do find that putting in rest time into my day is definitely helping me to prevent mental fatigue and maintaining energy levels.
I do love the idea of giving myself permission to rest!
The role of self compassion in rest
A significant barrier to rest is self judgement. I am on the journey to stop judgement of others and I need to do a better job to extend this to myself. I definitely have an internalised belief that I need to constantly prove my worth through output and it’s exhausting and does lead to feeling guilty and frustration when trying to relax.
Practicing self compassion really is necessary to break this cycle. Acknowledging that rest is vital and a valuable part of the human experience will help reduce negative self talk. Instead of criticising ourselves for taking a break, changing the internal dialogue to be more compassionate is something worth trying. Affirmations like ‘I have the right to rest’ or ‘I am taking time to recharge so I can be my best self later’ are useful.
Self reflection, journaling and therapy are also useful tools to help support the process of redefining self worth beyond being productive. By cultivating a more balanced approach, we can learn to appreciate ourselves for who we are rather than our accomplishments.
Overcoming the fear of losing control
I sometimes feel if I’m not always vigilent in all areas of my life (hello overthinker), then I’m not in control - especially relating to work. However, I am learning that rest is an exercise in trust…trusting that efficiency doesn’t just depend on relentless effort but also sustainable approaches to energy management. I have come to realise that rest enhances performance rather than detracting from it and is a necessary step towards balance.
It could be helpful to create a contingency plan of sorts. Setting up a to do list or plan for tasks or returning to work after a break can help easy anxiety. Knowing that tasks will be addressed later will allow for a more relaxed mindset during relaxation periods.
I must admit that the concept of ‘letting go’ can be transformative (I mean, the song Let it Go is often shouted at by me when I feel I am getting overwhelmed!). Not everything requires immediate attention and not every moment has to be optimsed for peak efficiency. Learning to release the need for constant control will definitely lead to a more peaceful life. Also it’s actually not always efficient to get things done immediately. I have a great example of this. I received an email at work about going in to the HR system to update some pertinent facts that were to do with our work contract. It would require some time to do as it involved check certain dates. I immediately went in, updated everything…I think it took about twenty minutes. Not long after we received an email saying that the request was sent in error. I mean. Come on.
Practical Strategies for embracing rest
Prioritise quality over quantity - admittedly this is harder to implement if working in a time based or number of items produced type of role, but if possible and depending on how you are being compensated it is worth considering slowing down to enhance the quality of what is being produced rather than ploughing through tasks to achieve a high level of productivity.
Create a rest routine - establishing a daily or weekly ritual for relaxtion reinforces the habit. For example, avoiding screens a couple of hours before bedtime, going for an evening walk, dedicating Sunday afternoons for self care and naps.
Limit comparison - avoid comparing productivity levels to others, especially when it comes to social media where curated highlights create unrealistic expectations.
Seek support - connecting with like minded people who understand the importance of balance can provide accountability and encouragement.
Practice saying no - protecting personal time by declining unnecessary commitments ensures that rest time remains a priority.
Track energy levels - keeping a journal of energy fluctuations can help identify patterns and reinforce the value of intentional rest.