My brain goes all the time. It is like I don’t have an off switch for it to stay quiet. Endless thoughts going around my head, and it is really tiring.

I know that for me rest is very important, but I am not very good at stopping. However, I have written some reasons why rest is important for everyone.

Image by …♡… from Pixabay

Why Rest Is as Important as Productivity

A busy, productive life is valuable, but it is important to include rest in our schedules. When we rest, it gives us a chance to recover from illness, restore our bodies and protect our mental health.

• If we can’t stop, it is important to recognise that taking time off will be better for future productivity.
• While being productive benefits us greatly, get the balance right.
• No rest leads to stress, burnout and low performance.
• Modern work attitudes using email, mobile phones, and remote work are less likely to make us switch off.
• Rest is not just sleep, but it is also rest from emotions, thinking, creativity and socialising.

Reasons Rest Is Important

• It improves our mood and general health.
• Rest improves our memory, focus and creativity.
• Rest gives us a chance to take time away from socialising.
• It improves our critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• It gives us the ability to dream for the future.

How to Change Our Attitudes

We can change how we think about rest and say to ourselves, ‘I deserve a break’. We can keep a journal and write about how we are feeling. Listening to music or watching a favourite movie can help us rest. Creating boundaries helps us so we learn to say no and delegate jobs to others. We need to recognise that our bodies and minds need rest.

Sources:

Rest: A Health-Related Phenomenon and Concept in Caring Science – PMC

Rethinking Rest FINAL