Why Rest is Productive (And How to Actually Do It)

Let’s flip the script on something we’ve all been told: being busy equals being productive. You’ve probably heard it a million times—hustle hard, sleep when you’re dead, grind now and relax later. But here’s the truth: rest is productive. In fact, without rest, your productivity tanks, your creativity fades, and burnout creeps in. The problem? We often don’t know how to rest properly. So let’s talk about why rest is crucial and how you can make it a meaningful part of your life.

Redefine What Rest Means to You

Rest isn’t just about lying on the couch or getting a full night’s sleep (though those are important, too). Rest can be anything that recharges your energy and refreshes your mind. For some, it’s spending time in nature, while for others, it’s diving into a good book or practicing mindfulness.

Take a moment to think about what truly relaxes you. Is it physical rest, like taking a nap? Mental rest, like disconnecting from work? Or maybe it’s emotional rest, like spending time with loved ones. Whatever it is, redefine rest as something that actively contributes to your well-being, rather than just something you do when you’re too tired to keep going.

Schedule Rest Like You Schedule Work

Here’s a challenge: Look at your calendar. How much of your time is dedicated to rest? If your answer is “not much,” it’s time to make a change. Rest shouldn’t be an afterthought or something you squeeze in when everything else is done—it should be a non-negotiable part of your routine.

Start by scheduling small pockets of rest throughout your day. It could be a 10-minute break every hour to step away from your desk, a 30-minute walk during lunch, or even a full day off where you disconnect from work entirely. When you schedule rest just like you schedule meetings or tasks, you’re giving it the importance it deserves.

Embrace the Power of Doing Nothing

We live in a world that’s obsessed with being busy. Even when we’re not working, we often fill our time with activities, scrolling through social media, or consuming endless content.

But here’s the secret: doing nothing can be one of the most powerful forms of rest.

Give yourself permission to do nothing, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Sit in silence, stare out the window, or just let your mind wander. This kind of rest allows your brain to reset, process information, and spark creativity. It’s not wasted time—it’s essential recovery.

Listen to Your Body

Your body is constantly sending you signals, but are you listening?

When you’re tired, stressed, or feeling off, your body is telling you it needs rest. Ignoring these signals and pushing through only leads to burnout and decreased productivity.

Start tuning in to what your body is telling you. If you’re feeling sluggish, take a power nap. If you’re feeling tense, do some gentle stretching or deep breathing. If you’re mentally drained, step away from work and give your mind a break. Listening to your body is the first step in giving it the rest it truly needs.

Make Rest a Habit, Not a Reward

Too often, we treat rest like a reward—something we only get after we’ve worked ourselves to the bone. But what if rest was a habit, built into your daily life, rather than something you had to earn? When you make rest a regular part of your routine, you prevent burnout before it even begins.

Think about how you can incorporate rest into your daily and weekly routines. Maybe it’s starting your day with 10 minutes of meditation, taking a mid-afternoon break to stretch, or winding down with a book before bed. The key is to make rest a habit, so it becomes a natural part of how you live and work.

Rest isn’t the enemy of productivity—it’s the foundation of it. By redefining what rest means to you, scheduling it like you would any other priority, and making it a regular habit, you can recharge your energy, boost your creativity, and show up as your best self in every area of your life.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into how rest can supercharge your productivity, tune in to my podcast where we explore these topics every week. And if this post resonated with you, share it with a friend who might need a reminder that rest isn’t just okay—it’s essential.