Rest isn’t about lying on the couch. It’s about resting your nervous system. But many of us lie there for hours and still feel tired. Because our bodies are resting, but our minds are working at full capacity: analyzing, planning, criticizing, mulling over everything. This isn’t rest. It’s exhaustion in slow motion.
Myth One: “If I’m not productive, I’m worthless.” This is a belief ingrained in childhood. We believe: value equals contribution. But humans are not machines. You have the right to exist without results. Your life is already an achievement enough.
The second step is to identify your type of fatigue. It can be physical, emotional, cognitive, or existential. If your muscles are tired, a walk, sleep, or massage will help. If your soul is tired, tears, conversation, and silence will help. If your mind is tired, you need breaks, nature, and non-action. Rest should be commensurate with your fatigue.
Third, turn off “background mode.” Even on vacation, many people check email, think about work, and plan their return. This is chronic stress. True rest begins when you tell yourself, “Right now, I’m not responsible for anything.” This isn’t laziness. It’s a prerequisite for recovery.
Fourth, plan rest as a meeting with yourself. Not “I’ll rest if I have time.” But “I have a meeting with myself at 4:00 PM for 30 minutes.” No phone. No tasks. Just you, tea, and silence. This is a ritual of self-respect.
