Rest: The Secret Weapon You’re Too Stubborn to Use

Embracing stillness, recharging the soul.

I’ll be the first to admit that rest is the hardest thing for me to do. With a busy schedule and a natural inclination to stay productive, it often feels counterintuitive to stop and take a break. Rest? Who has time for that? I could be crossing things off my to-do list, planning a new workshop, or finally figuring out where all those missing Tupperware lids disappear to. But here's the truth: Making time to rest is not just beneficial—it’s essential.

Why We Treat Rest Like a Villain

In a culture that glorifies hustle, rest is often seen as a luxury rather than a necessity. We wear busyness like a badge of honor, bragging about how little sleep we get or how many back-to-back meetings we power through. But let’s be real—nobody wins a trophy for being the most exhausted person in the room.

The irony? The more we push forward without rest, the less productive (and pleasant) we actually become. Lack of rest leads to burnout, crankiness, and an increased likelihood of making ridiculous mistakes, like putting your phone in the fridge or answering emails with song lyrics.

The Science of Doing Absolutely Nothing

Sometimes, the best thing you can do is absolutely nothing. I know, shocking. But hear me out. When I force myself to stop, I meditate, practice breathwork, and simply chill. I turn off all electronics, sit in the sun, and totally disconnect. No notifications. No emails. Just me, the breeze, and maybe a snack (because, let’s be honest, everything is better with snacks).

And science backs this up! Studies show that taking time to unplug and relax can lower stress hormones, reduce blood pressure, and improve overall heart health. So basically, rest isn’t just a good idea—it’s doctor-approved.

Think of Rest as Your Brain’s Refresh Button

Rest is like hitting the reset button on your brain. Ever tried to function with 27 browser tabs open and your computer screaming in protest? That’s what happens when you don’t give your mind a break. But when you pause, you allow yourself to reflect, breathe, and recover.

Ironically, some of my best ideas have come to me when I’m completely checked out. Inspiration has struck while staring at a wall, taking a shower, or mid-snooze. The brain loves a good power-down moment.

The Art of Scheduling Rest Like a Boss

Since I know I struggle with resting, I have to schedule it like an important meeting. If it’s on my calendar, it happens. If not, I find myself knee-deep in emails and wondering why I’m so tired.

To take my commitment to rest and mindfulness even further, I attended a 10-day Silent Vipassana Retreat to deepen my meditation practice. Want to hear about my 10-day Vipassana experience? Check out my blog post! No talking. No distractions. Just me, my breath, and an unbelievable amount of self-reflection. It taught me how to be truly present, breathe with intention, and embrace stillness without guilt. And while I don’t expect everyone to disappear into silence for ten days, incorporating even small moments of stillness into your day can work wonders.

Here are a few foolproof ways to make rest a part of your life:

• Plan a “Do Nothing” Hour – Set aside time to just exist. No chores, no screens, no productivity guilt.

• Breathe Like You Mean It – Take 1-5 minutes to focus on deep breathing. Inhale, exhale, repeat. Your nervous system will thank you. (Yes, I do this often.)

• Meditate Your Stress Away – Even five minutes of meditation can reset your entire day. It’s like a power nap for your mind!

• Take a Nap Without Shame – Naps aren’t just for toddlers. They’re for exhausted adults who deserve better.

• Unplug Like a Pro – Turn off notifications, put your phone on silent, and bask in the glorious sound of nothingness.

• Laugh More, Stress Less – Watch something silly, share a joke, or just giggle at your own ridiculousness.

Rest: The Ultimate Productivity Hack

Rest isn’t a sign of laziness; it’s a sign of intelligence. When you take time to recharge, you come back sharper, happier, and less likely to forget where you put your coffee (again).

So go ahead—take that break, breathe deeply, and embrace rest as the superhero of success. Your future, well-rested self will thank you.

Until next time,

Wendy