In the fast-paced rhythm of life, each moment seems to merge seamlessly into
the next. The modern world sees us as machines in perpetual motion.
But it’s not only what society expects from us. It’s what we expect from ourselves.
Have you ever felt guilty for taking a break? Then, this article is for you.
Why resting?
It may seem obvious that resting is necessary. However, recent studies show that 89% of Americans have suffered from burnout within the past year. Some symptoms include physical exhaustion, cognitive weariness, and emotional exhaustion.
On the other hand, science shows the positive effects of good sleep and short breaks, as they increase productivity, attention, and cognitive performance.
But don’t think of rest as a way to charge batteries to be more productive later. Instead, see it as an opportunity to be yourself, know yourself, and listen to your needs.
Resting is an opportunity for self-discovery and awareness.
Generally, we are so busy that we can’t think of anything else but our tasks.
But “always busy” is synonymous with “distracted.”
Pause for a minute and focus on what’s important.
Rethinking rest
The problem is not resting. The problem is that the moment we sit down, we feel guilty because we have so many things to do.
It’s like we have this idea ingrained in our subconscious: your value depends on how much you produce.
The anxiety about material progress and achievements makes us ill.
So, rewire your thinking patterns and reevaluate how you think about rest.
You are not lazy because you are resting. You are just human.
How to rest
Here are some tips on how to make the most of your pauses.
Avoid all distractions
When you want to pause, don’t give yourself mental distractions such as watching TV shows or mindless scrolling. You will still feel exhausted. Give yourself not only physical but also mental and emotional rest.
Schedule rest
Show yourself that resting is meaningful by scheduling time for rest. It may also involve sacrificing or postponing other tasks, but it is worth it. Organization is key when it comes to giving yourself time for rest but also productivity.
Go to nature
It’s amazing how nature has the power to heal us physically and mentally. Once in a while, visit natural places for a powerful recharge.
Go to the nearest place: a lake, a mountain, a beach, a river, etc.
If you feel tired, you may not want to go hiking. However, you can always sit under a tree and contemplate.
If you can’t leave the city, stay in your garden or a local park. However, I recommend you do your best to visit nature at least twice a month.
Practice mindfulness
If you want to recharge, pause your thoughts. You will be mentally drained if you overthink your workload or the next task.
So, during pauses, practice mindfulness exercises. Meditate, feel your surroundings, pay attention to every detail, and watch your thoughts like flies passing by.
If this is hard, be patient, keep practicing, and don’t force it. It will work out sooner than you think.
Make the most of these moments to know yourself and identify things that need to change, anything that no longer serves you. Silence will get you in touch with your inner wisdom.
Do it frequently
Don’t wait for your next vacation to give yourself some rest. Instead, schedule daily rest, pause for some minutes during your work sessions, and dedicate one or two days per week to yourself and yourself only.
Final thoughts
Pausing can be a powerful tool for self-reflection. We are so busy nowadays that we even forget about ourselves. Even if you have only 5 minutes for resting, they can be incredibly rejuvenating if you meditate during those 5 minutes.
Do it for yourself because you deserve it. In a world that glorifies perpetual motion, intentional rest is a revolutionary act of self-love.
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