I love to work. There, I said it. For much of my life I have loved to work way more than I have loved to rest. I say it’s because I am a Calvinist to my core, like most people in this country, but truthfully, it is just easier, safer, to put my nose to the grindstone than lean into how I feel. I like making things and organizing thoughts, and organizing stuff. I’m so into checking off boxes on a to-do list. In the past, I have gotten a lot of pats on the back and self-satisfaction from being a “hard worker.”
Last year, I began to notice I was exhausted all the time and like anything, when what you are doing is no longer working, you try something else. Lately, I am doing something a bit different–instead of blindly grinding I take time to rest.
Unexpectedly, as I have prioritized rest in my life I have become more creative and prolific. It turns out that rest doesn’t just replenish energy; it unlocks new levels of creativity and insight. When I’m well-rested, I make better decisions, my thoughts flow more freely, and I’m able to approach challenges with a fresh perspective.
So, I like to work but I need a balance. I have a lot of energy and I feel a drive to help people and make my little corner of the world better, plus, also like most people in this country, I need to make a living, so I definitely want to work. I’m starting to see that the work allows me to enjoy the downtime and the downtime beautifully informs my work so much that both are a pleasure.
It’s not just me. Our work has leaked into our lives, but it doesn't seem as though the reverse is true. It’s wonderful to have the connection technology affords us, but it has blurred the lines between work and rest. From where I sit, as I watch the young people in my life start their careers, these blurred lines have simply resulted in more work and less rest. More time "on," with less time "off."
Research consistently shows that rest isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential for productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. A study published in Scientific Reports found that individuals who regularly took breaks and prioritized sleep performed better on cognitive tasks and showed higher levels of creative problem-solving. Another study from the Harvard Business Review revealed that employees who take regular vacations and disconnect from work return with improved focus, higher energy levels, and increased productivity.
Rest isn’t the enemy of productivity—it’s the foundation of it. When we create space for true rest, we’re not just giving ourselves a break; we’re setting the stage for our best work yet.
Rest isn’t passive. It’s an active investment in our minds, our bodies, and our creativity. It’s time we stop viewing it as a luxury and start recognizing it for what it is: a necessity for a fulfilling, sustainable, and successful life.
These days, when I’m working, I take a break when I need it. I might just sit down and look out the window, or take a walk around the block, or pull a few weeds. I'm making a choice and it requires I remain connected to myself and how I feel to know I need rest but I try because I really didn't like being exhausted and I do like how much I am enjoying ALL of my life.
So here’s our call to action: Let’s normalize rest. Let’s talk about it, prioritize it, and model it for those around us. Whether it’s taking a walk, meditating for ten minutes, or simply allowing yourself to sit still without guilt, rest is a radical act of self-care—and it’s one we all deserve.
Talk to me in the comments--what is one active step you can take to add rest to your day?
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