Embracing rest feels like an act of rebellion in a society that glorifies constant hustling. But could doing so actually be the catalyst for productivity in itself?
We’re constantly told that success comes from grinding harder, working longer hours, and pushing through exhaustion. But what if the key to achieving more isn’t about doing more, but actually knowing when to pause?
The truth is, rest is productive. And in this post, I’ll lead you through the science behind why rest isn’t just a break from productivity, but the foundation of it.
Understanding the rest-productivity paradox
At first look, rest and productivity might seem like opposites.
Hustle culture has us thinking that taking a break is something that gets in the way of “getting it done”. But in reality, taking breaks and prioritising recovery can actually enhance your performance, not hinder it.
Instead of viewing rest as time lost, it should be seen as an investment – something that makes the time you do spend working far more effective. And here’s why…
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5 reasons why rest is productive
- Rest enhances creativity
You might be thinking “but I don’t work in a creative job”, but I challenge you to stop thinking of creativity as something that’s exclusive to the arts.
Creative thinking is all about problem solving, thinking outside of the box and coming up with original ideas and solutions. And if you want to produce more productive (ie. better) work, you’re gonna need those skills in virtually any job.
And what does this require? Rest.
When you rest, you allow a brain region called the Default Mode Network (DMN) to take over. This is a part of the brain that’s most engaged during mind wandering (aka daydreaming) and self-referential thinking.
It’s not engaged when you’re constantly filling each space with distraction.
But why do you want to engage this area for productivity? Well, because, among other things, it’s really good at something called idea incubation. Put simply, this is the unconscious processing of problems.
Research has shown that engaging in simple tasks that allow the mind to wander can improve creative problem solving. It might seem paradoxical, but taking a break from actively thinking about something you find challenging can allow your brain to work on it in the background. This can lead to sudden “aha” moments when you return to the task later.
Another form of rest, sleep, is also beneficial for this. Studies have shown that short “cat naps”, involving the non-REM stage 1 sleep, can help with pattern recognition and problem solving.
Finally, we have research to support why your mum always told you to “sleep on it” when you were stressed about a problem!
- Rest improves focus and decision making
The productivity world is full of tips on how to improve focus. You’ll read all about leaving your distracting devices in a different room, listening to binaural beats, and creating a work specific environment.
These are all great tips. But none of these will work if what you really need is to take a little break.
When the brain is engaged in a prolonged period of intense concentration, it can become depleted, leading to less efficiency, impaired decision making, and higher stress levels. Think of it like a muscle that you’ve overworked.
Research has shown that even taking rest breaks of 5 minutes can make the world of difference, improving students’ attention and problem-solving abilities after a mental task.
Don’t use this as an excuse to take a break from work to scroll though, because other studies have demonstrated that breaks on your mobile phone don’t allow the brain to “recharge” as effectively as other forms of rest.
The take home message? Allow yourself to take little breaks when you’re feeling tired, but opt for something restorative like a short walk or mindful breathing session instead.
- Rest prevents burnout
Rest is essential for preventing burnout – a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion that’s caused by prolonged stress.
From somebody who has been in this state, I can assure you that nothing you would consider productive comes from it. When you’re burnt out, all you can do is rest. When the choice is taken away from you, that burning desire to be productive above all else goes out of the window entirely.
Regular rest can help you periodically restore to a state of balance, lower your stress levels, and mitigate the potential long-term effects of chronic stress – so that things don’t have to reach that point.
Thankfully, research has shown that rest breaks are effective for reducing the rate of professional burnout even in some of the most stressful jobs like nursing. So make it a priority to incorporate rest into your routine – like sleep, hobbies, and holidays – to improve productivity long term by preventing burnout.
- Rest supports your physical health
Rest is absolutely vital for overall health, and being in good health is vital to achieve the things you want to achieve. Something that becoming chronically unwell taught me is that, if you don’t prioritise your health and wellbeing, everything else can quickly fall apart.
Being productive may seem like the be-all and end-all when you’re trying to progress on the career ladder, secure a new job role, or get top marks in the class. But if you have to sacrifice your physical health in order to get to where you want to be, that place just might not be sustainable for you in the long run.
Adequate sleep and deep rest allow our bodies to complete vital repair processes. By giving your body the gift of rest and recovery you’re improving your physical capacity to “get things done”, and you’re improving your brain health too.
And the cost if you don’t prioritise rest? Well, studies have shown that failing to take rest breaks throughout the day is associated with psychological fatigue, physical fatigue, sleep problems, and a decreased feeling of work-life balance. Nobody is performing at their best in this state.
Just take the break – your body will thank you for it.
Related post: How to JournalSpeak: Journaling for Chronic Symptoms
- Rest boosts emotional wellbeing
Rest is crucial for lowering your stress levels, which allows you to better regulate your emotions and maintain an overall sense of wellbeing.
A more balanced and positive mindset makes you more equipped to take on the challenges of the day, accomplish tasks to the best of your ability, and walk away from work feeling like you’ve done a good job.
But perhaps above all this? Rest just feels good.
In a culture obsessed with productivity, I challenge you to rest. Not just because rest is productive, but because it’s a part of being human.
Taking breaks away from work allows you to engage in other things that are meaningful to you, like relationships, hobbies, and self care.
Because I’ll let you in on a secret – there’s SO much more to life than being a productive powerhouse. And there’s a good chance you’ll miss out on all of that joy if you don’t give yourself the gift of rest.
If there’s one thing I hope you take away from this post, it’s that rest isn’t the opposite of productivity – it’s a crucial part of it.
From enhancing creativity and improving focus to preventing burnout and supporting your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing, rest is truly the foundation that allows you to perform at your best.
It’s not a luxury or a sign of weakness. It’s a necessity.
So the next time you feel guilty for stepping away from your work, or tempted to push through the subtle signs your mind-body is giving you to take a break, remember that you’re not wasting time. You’re investing in future you, in a way that allows you to sustain success long-term.
True productivity isn’t about constantly pushing forward. It’s about knowing when to pause, recharge, and come back stronger. You’ve got this.
Liked this post on why rest is productive? Check out these related posts:
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- How To Embody Progress Over Perfection
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Esther is the founder of Through the Phases, an online space dedicated to balancing personal development and self-care. From her experience living with chronic symptoms, she believes that rest is essential for a sustainable and fulfilling life. She has a degree in Psychology, is yoga teacher trained (200hr), and is currently pursuing a Neuroscience MSc to further study the mind-body connection. Read more about her story here.