It’s not entirely your fault, but it is within your control

I read a quote the other day that stayed with me for hours.

“Burnout exists because we’ve made rest a reward rather than a right.”

It was said by Juliet C. Obodo, HypnoSomatic Practitioner™ Trainer.

She’s right. Most of us only rest when we feel we’ve earned it. We treat it like a reward; a treat. “If I get this work done, I’ll stop and smell the roses.” It only comes after all the other stuff we feel we should be doing. We don’t treat it like the right it actually is.

Our society often glorifies busyness, equating it with productivity and success. What many fail to realize is that rest is a necessity for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. And to do it is our decision; it’s fully within our control.

Say it after me: To rest is a right

You have the right to rest. In fact, it’s imperative that you take responsibility for your well being and resting is a way to do that; doing nothing; doing something you love; slowing down; noticing; reflecting.

When’s the last time you rested?

I bet it’s been a while. You’ve probably made a commitment at some point to build more breaks into your life, but how long did that last? Or maybe you’ve committed to yourself that you’ll rest when you have time … when this project is finished; when the kids are back in school; when the kids are out of the house (if your kids are little, this could be a very long time!).

Rest: A Cornucopia of benefits

Physical

Without rest, our bodies become more susceptible to illness, injuries, and chronic conditions. Don’t get me started on the toll that chronic stress can take on both our physical and mental health, leading to a range of issues such as anxiety, depression, and burnout. If you believe that always remaining busy and active will bring you success, the opposite could actually be true.

Mental

Did you know that our cognitive functions can actually improve with rest? Studies have shown that adequate rest improves concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills. When we give our brains a chance to rest, we enhance our ability to focus and think creatively. Now if that isn’t a great argument for those still resisting my urging, I don’t know what is – rest will make you more productive, not less!

Emotional

Constant stimulation that is typical in our lives can leave us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from ourselves and others. Rest provides us with the time and space to reflect, process our emotions, and cultivate gratitude. By taking moments of rest, we can reconnect with our inner selves and find peace amidst the chaos.

What does rest look like for you?

While some may enjoy a good night’s sleep, a leisurely stroll in nature, a quiet moment of meditation, a few deep breaths, others may prefer engaging in hobbies or spending time with loved ones. My personal favourite is a puppy walk or play session with my 4-year-old Havanese, Rizzo. The key is to listen to your body and mind and honor what they need at any given moment.

Regardless of what works for you, rest allows our minds and bodies to recharge and repair.

What works for you?

I believe that pausing can actually propel us forward. Don’t believe me? Try it. I’d love to hear about your experiences – what works for you?