The Rest-Productivity Connection: Embracing Rest to Boost Efficiency

In our fast-paced world, where the hustle and bustle of daily life often glorify productivity and achievement, the idea of resting can sometimes seem like an indulgence we can’t afford. We've all experienced that nagging guilt when we decide to take a break instead of pushing through another task on our to-do list. However, it's crucial to recognize that rest and productivity are not adversaries; in fact, they share a symbiotic relationship that can significantly impact our overall well-being and performance. Let’s delve into why we often feel guilty about resting and explore ways to cultivate a positive relationship with rest to improve our wellbeing and unlock our full potential.

The Rest-Productivity Paradox

Rest and productivity are not as opposing as they might appear. In fact, they are two sides of the same coin. Think of rest as the fuel that rejuvenates your mind and body, enabling you to operate at your highest level of efficiency. When you embrace rest, you're not wasting time; you're investing in your productivity.

Rest allows us to clear and settle the mind, move our focus, and allow space for new inspiration and fresh energy to flow.
 
Deep down we all know this. However, it is often layered with feelings of guilt, laziness, and some good old self-critical inner dialogue.

I come from a corporate sales background. The competitive, fast paced environment coupled with my people pleasing and perfectionist tendencies was the perfect recipe for overworking and viewing slowing down or resting as ‘a waste of time’, ‘weak’, and ‘lazy’. I was a martyr to the hamster wheel and felt like a hero when I worked overtime or was sick but went to work anyway. When I inevitably burnt out, I would take minimal rest until I could jump back on the wheel and power on once more, all the while chastising myself for needing to rest. I was overwhelmed with guilt and worry of what others would think and had such a strong association of rest being ‘bad’. But why?


Why Do We Feel Guilty About Resting?

Cultural Pressure: Many societies and cultures tend to glorify overwork and view rest as a sign of laziness. This ingrained mindset can make us feel guilty when we choose to rest.

Comparison Trap: In the age of social media, we're bombarded with images and stories of people seemingly working tirelessly toward their goals – ‘we all have the same 24 hours in a day’. This can create a sense of inadequacy when we decide to rest instead of keeping up with this relentless pace.

Fear of Falling Behind: The fear of falling behind in our personal and professional lives often drives us to skip rest. We worry that taking a break will hinder our progress and lead to missed opportunities.
 
It took accompanying a friend to a yoga class one evening to start to learn about the value of rest. I couldn’t get near my phone, I couldn’t be available to anyone, I couldn’t be anywhere but my mat. There was no need to think about anything but my breath. It felt liberating. Class by class I was able to rest my mind, recharge my energy, and have this little bit of untouchable space in my day. Of course, the benefits of yoga are so far reaching, but my point here is that taking deliberate time for myself to switch off and recharge had such a ripple effect across my productivity, creativity, my relationships with others, and most importantly my relationship with myself.

Now I understand the value and impact of rest, be it 5 minutes or an entire day, I now incorporate rest into my daily working routine in the same way I would any other element of my productive day. My rest takes on many forms depending on what I need. It could be yoga, a swim and sauna, curling up and reading, walking down the canal, or - dare I admit - binging episode after episode of Married at First Sight.


Creating a Positive Relationship with Rest

Redefine Productivity: Understand that productivity isn't just about the quantity of work but the quality of it. When you're well-rested, your work is more focused, creative, and efficient.
 
Schedule Rest: Just as you schedule work tasks, make a conscious effort to schedule rest periods into your day. Treat these periods with the same importance as meetings or deadlines.
 
Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Avoid bringing work into your leisure time, and vice versa. This separation allows you to fully recharge during rest.
 
Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness activities like meditation or deep breathing exercises during your breaks. This can help clear your mind and reduce stress, making your rest more effective.
 
Prioritise Sleep: Quality sleep is the ultimate form of rest. Prioritise getting enough sleep each night to ensure your mind and body are fully recharged for the day ahead.
 
Reflect and Adjust: Regularly assess your work-rest balance. If you find yourself feeling guilty about resting, reflect on the reasons behind it and make adjustments accordingly.

Rest is not the enemy of productivity; it is its essential partner. Recognise that rest is not a luxury but a necessity for your physical and mental well-being. By overcoming the guilt associated with resting and implementing strategies to prioritise it, you can achieve higher levels of productivity, creativity, and overall life satisfaction. Remember, in the pursuit of success, embracing rest is not a sign of weakness; it's a demonstration of wisdom and self-care.

How will you prioritise and integrate rest into your day and week? 

If you need a helping hand, I’m here for you!