August 12, 2022 | Mindset
Resting: the fast-paced environment’s taboo. The monster. The killer of all good. Unfortunately, nowadays people are shamed for needing rest and taking an off day. It’s time to STOP that. You are human, resting isn’t any less natural than breathing and eating.
So, here are four reminders for your rest days when you’re feeling low, guilty or unworthy:
Your productivity doesn’t define your worth.
The amount of rest you deserve isn’t dependent on your productivity. You don’t need to always be doing something to be worthy. You deserve to rest regardless of how much you’ve accomplished today. Don’t compare yourself to others who seem to be doing more; we’re all on our own destined journeys. It’s really about doing your personal best.
You don’t need to “earn” your breaks.
Rest and work go hand-in-hand; they’re not opposites. If you were too tired to finish your entire to-do list, it’s okay. Resting can help you regain your energy and concentration. We work best when we rest well, so we can’t keep holding off our breaks for more work. Take a walk, meditate or put on some music; a quick fix is sometimes what does the trick.
Set the boundaries that feel right for you.
You’re allowed to have do-not-disturb breaks. It’s extremely thoughtful to be on stand-by when you rest, but it’s not a must. If you genuinely need time off without worrying about a surprise phone call, communicate that. Explain how you feel to those around you and set clear boundaries. It’s not selfish to preserve your energy for some alone time.
Resting doesn’t have to be productive too.
Just because you’re not working, it doesn’t mean you need to be doing something useful. Yes, learning a new recipe, yoga pose or skill is great. But, it’s perfectly fine to just take a nap or watch television. We often feel guilty for resting and feel the need to learn something new in our free time, even when we’re exhausted. Listen to your body and if all your body wants to do is nothing, so be it.