Rest is Still Productive

This title might seem silly yet it serves as a crucial permission slip for high achievers. Our society deeply conditions us to produce, achieve, and constantly "do." Consequently, the idea of taking time to rest, slow down, and simply be can feel like a threat to this ingrained mindset. For many, this conditioning is deeply personal, inherited from parents, reinforced by bosses, or associated with negative connotations like "laziness" or "unproductiveness." This drive often leads us to prioritize output above all else, frequently at the expense of our health, mind, and spirit.

I recall a client who was struggling, feeling disconnected from herself and others. Despite having more free time, she lacked energy. As we explored her relationship with downtime and rest, she listed a barrage of negative thoughts: "It's a waste of time," "I'm missing out," "I'm not being productive."

I encouraged her to reframe these statements about rest and relaxation, but she found it difficult. Even when asked to imagine her beloved sister wanting to rest, she insisted she'd tell her to keep going. A significant shift occurred when I asked her where she learned this conditioning. She initially mentioned society—which, of course, influences us all—but then she spoke of her single mother working tirelessly to support her children.

It was then I shared, "Your mom worked hard so you have the privilege of resting." The energy in the room shifted, and my client became emotional. "You're right," she said, "my mom even tells me to sit down and relax." Each generation works diligently so the next can be less in survival mode. Just as we deserve the air we breathe and the water we drink, we deserve the basic need of rest and sleep. The sun cannot always shine; the moon must appear to signal rest time.

Like anything else, our bodies and minds need time to reset, recharge, and renew to support the greater mission we have in this world. Even in the rest, we allow insight, flow, creativity, and simply ease so we can return more fully to our people, work, a So, the next time you lie down or engage in something that isn't "doing," and negative thoughts seep in—as they will—thank them for appearing. Let them know you are safe, and allow yourself to return to the present moment. The more you acknowledge and redirect these thoughts, the quieter they will become over time, eventually reaching a point of silence, knowing and trusting that rest is a necessary and important practice.