The Purpose of Rest

……Wanna be productive? Rest. Many of us have been taught that putting our nose to the grindstone and going beyond our limits is the best way to succeed. In reality, rest has purpose. It provides the clarity and energy we need to achieve the life of our dreams. When we push ourselves, our bodies wear out quickly. If we don’t consciously choose to take time for rest, our bodies will make the decision for us.

……Many employers recognize that rest has a purpose and provide paid time off. Still, some of us push ourselves to show up for work even when we don’t feel well. Oftentimes, employees lose those hours if we don’t use them. What if we decided to use every hour of paid time off to give our bodies the rest and recovery we deserve? Paid time off can also be used as mental health days. Why not just take a day off once in a while to enjoy yourself? Taking a few hours off by starting work late or leaving early can support our bodies and productivity. .

……If you don’t have access to paid time off, seeing the purpose and value rest can be difficult. Sometimes, it can feel like a choice between your body and the bills. Many of us choose our responsibilities over ourselves. The consequences of ignoring our body’s needs are often far more severe than the decision to take time off and take care of ourselves. A rested mind allows us to tap into the creativity and problem-solving we need to make ends meet. When we choose to put ourselves first, everything else gets easier. .

……Even in the middle of a work day, you can find opportunities for rest. This simple practice can support you every time you notice yourself feeling stressed out:

…… …… 1. Close your eyes.

…… …… 2. Inhale deeply.

…… …… 3. As you exhale, relax your body.

…… …… 4. Take as many breaths as you need to relax your face, shoulders, back and legs.

…… …… 5. Smile and open your eyes.………..

……If your intuition inspires you to take a break, give yourself permission to take it. Maybe you need to get something to eat, take a walk, or brainstorm a bit longer before getting back to the task. If you feel ready to get back to work, dive right in! This practice can be completed in less than a minute. Regardless of how busy or overwhelmed you feel, your breath is always available to you. It doesn’t cost you anything to breathe. But the benefits of conscious breathing are priceless.

……Recognizing the purpose of rest has a lot of value in our day-to-day lives. Life has its ups and downs. Sometimes, we face challenges beyond the ordinary. Significant life events, such as the loss of a loved one, changes in our personal relationships, and grief of all kinds require more rest than we may be used to giving ourselves. Processing emotions takes a lot of energy. When these moments arise, consider having grace and patience for yourself. Do your best to dedicate time to your own rest and recovery.

……As autumn continues and the days get shorter, consider taking the time to honor each sunset with a soothing, deep breath. Rest is a decision to celebrate, not for shame. The purpose of rest extends beyond our individual lives. Choosing to rest is a revolutionary act.

When we prioritize rest, we set an example for others to recognize the purpose of rest in their own lives. Peace begins with all of us. One breath and one moment at a time.