Why Rest is Productive:
A Gentle Reminder for the Summer Holidays
Summer is supposed to be the season of slowing down, but for many of us, whether you're working, raising kids, running a business, navigating health challenges, or just trying to keep up with life, it can feel more like a sprint.
Social media is full of everyone else’s ‘perfect’ summers: beach days, BBQs, and jam-packed calendars with friends. You’re told to “make the most” of every sunny second, and even on your slow days, there’s that little voice whispering, “You should be doing more.”
But here’s the gentle truth I want you to remember next time your summer is feeling ‘less than’:
Rest is not lazy.
Rest is not selfish.
Rest is essential.
And yes, rest is deeply productive.
Why We Struggle to Rest
In a world that values being busy, resting can feel uncomfortable. Even when we're exhausted, many of us feel guilty for stopping. We’ve internalised the idea that we have to “earn” our rest by finishing everything on our to-do list, being available to everyone, and/or staying constantly engaged. Even reading that, it seems impossible and a silly notion to live by.
For parents, there’s an added layer: trying to balance work, home life, childcare, and the unspoken pressure to fill the summer with enriching activities. “You’ve only got 18 summers with them then they’re gone.” Apparently!
For non-parents, there’s often pressure to “make the most of your freedom”, to travel, socialise, and make plans, even when your body or mind is begging you to slow down.
Rest isn’t a reward or something that should only happen when you are ill, it's a vital part of your wellbeing.
Rest Is Productive — Here's Why
It resets your nervous system: Moving out of “go mode” into a calmer, more balanced state helps your body recover and heal
It improves focus and clarity: When we pause, the brain processes and integrates. That’s why your best ideas often come in the shower
It fuels energy: Not just physical energy, but the emotional capacity to be present, make decisions, and enjoy life
“Rest doesn’t take away from your life — it gives you more life to enjoy.”
How to Rest in Real Life (Even If You're Busy)
You don’t need a full day off or a tropical retreat; you just need intentional pauses; small windows to breathe, reset, and reconnect with yourself.
Here are some gentle ways to rest, no matter your life situation:
For parents:
Let your kids see you rest: it teaches them it’s okay to slow down
Create pockets of stillness: a quiet moment while they draw, a shared lie-down listening to music, or a "quiet time" routine
Swap short shifts with a partner or friend so you can each take breaks
For everyone:
Sit down with your cup of tea or coffee instead of drinking it on the go
Take 5 minutes to lie flat on your bed and do absolutely nothing
Walk slowly. Breathe deeply. Do one thing at a time
Say “no” to plans that drain you, without guilt. (see my other blog, “Learn to say “no” without guilt”)
FOMO: The Hidden Driver of Exhaustion
The fear of missing out — on fun, on social time, on productivity — is one of the biggest reasons we override our need to rest.
We scroll and compare, we see others doing more, going places, achieving things, and suddenly, our much-needed quiet day feels like failure.
But comparison is exhausting, and I need for you to know that you can’t miss out on your own life, especially when you're living it in a way that honours your energy, values, and peace.
Rest is not you falling behind, it’s you choosing to tune in.
Reframing Guilt: You’re Allowed to Pause
You are not a machine, and you do not have to earn your rest with exhaustion.
“Whether you’re parenting, working, caregiving, healing, or simply human, rest is your right.”
You’re allowed to:
Do less, without guilt
Choose peace over performance
Skip events, leave dishes, cancel plans
Take care of yourself, even if it doesn’t look impressive
Final Thoughts: Choosing Rest is Brave
Rest doesn’t have to be about doing nothing, unless that’s what you want it to be. It can also be about doing what actually supports your energy and wellbeing.
So this summer, don’t just “make the most of it.”
Make it nourishing. Soothing. Spacious. Real.
Choose slow mornings. Choose no-plans days. Choose listening to your body.
Because your worth is not measured by how much you are doing. You are enough, even when you rest.
If you're feeling tired, stretched thin, or just ready for a more nourishing way to live, let's chat. Book a free discovery call and see how we can work together to support your energy and wellbeing.
Wishing you a summer that’s right for you,
Sandra
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