Why Rest is a Form of Productivity

I used to believe that the busier I was, the more valuable I was. If my plate was full, my schedule bursting at the seams, and I could proudly say I was running on 4 hours of sleep, then I thought I was winning. That’s where I found my worth. I wanted to do all the things. I stayed up super late, woke up crazy early, and wore exhaustion like a badge of honor.

But the truth? It wasn’t pretty.

I was constantly drained. That exhaustion seeped into everything. How I showed up as a mom, a wife, a professional, a friend, and even how I showed up for myself. My days blurred into cycles of burnout, depression, and extreme anxiety. And maybe you know what that feels like too.

Because here’s the reality: in this day and age, no matter what season of life we’re in, whether we’re moms juggling little ones, single adults hustling in our 20s, high school students chasing big dreams, or retired and active adults, we’re just….tired. It’s a problem, y’all.

And it’s not one we can hustle our way out of.

The Shift: Rest is Productivity

Somewhere along the way, I realized that rest isn’t wasted time. It’s an investment. When I’m rested, I can think clearer, love better, and create with more freedom. My energy multiplies instead of scraping by on fumes.

Rest refuels us so we can thrive, not just survive. It’s what turns “getting through the day” into “living vibrantly.”

Here’s the truth: rest is a form of productivity because it sustains everything else. It allows you to show up fully for your life. Without it, everything crumbles.

Why We Need to Prioritize Rest

• Rest clears the mental clutter. A quiet mind makes space for clarity and creativity.

• Rest strengthens relationships. When you’re not stretched thin, you can be present with the people you love.

• Rest prevents burnout. Energy is a renewable resource, but only if you give yourself permission to recharge.

• Rest supports intentional living. Slowing down lets you reconnect with what truly matters.

Simple Ways to Start Incorporating Rest

No matter what season you’re in, here are gentle ways to weave rest into your everyday life:

1. Build in micro-pauses. Put in a reminder in your phone to take 5 minutes in your day to breathe, stretch, or sip tea without distraction.

2. Honor your bedtime. Protect your sleep like you would any other important meeting. Set an alarm at least 15 minutes before your bedtime to trigger you to start winding down and getting ready for your best possible sleep.

3. Practice tech-free time. Give yourself a screen break to reset your brain and your body. This might be an hour before bed, making a rule that you won’t look at your phone until 2 hours after you wake, or just saying that during your lunch break you won’t start scrolling on your phone and read a book instead.

4. Say no more often. Every no to the unnecessary is a yes to more peace. And always remember that “No” is a complete sentence. Period.

5. Schedule joy. Rest doesn’t always mean sleep. Sometimes it looks like a walk, a hobby, laughing with a friend, or watching an episode of Love Island. Any little moment of rest that you can get is a win.

A Gentle Reminder

Lovely, your worth isn’t tied to how much you can squeeze into a day. You don’t have to earn your rest. Rest is what allows you to live intentionally, create with joy, and show up as your best self.

So the next time you feel guilty for slowing down, remember this: choosing rest is one of the most productive things you can do.