Why You Should Have a Day of Rest
Note: I am sorry I am not as consistent with posting as I would like. I like outside of Houston and we still don’t have power. Hopefully, today!
It is amazing when you can fit in little micro naps in the afternoon or sneak in rest throughout your day, but sometimes what you need is a full day of rest. Some people call it their “lazy day”, but don’t label it as anything that makes you feel guilty about it. You deserve it!
Here are some reasons to try to fit in a day of rest into your normal routine.
The Benefits of Having a Day of Rest
A day of rest is your chance to step back from the daily grind. It helps reset both your mind and body, reducing stress and boosting your overall mood. Think of it as pressing the pause button on life’s demands to rejuvenate yourself fully, making you more equipped to handle challenges that come your way.
Why Too Many People Skip Rest
There is a toxic attitude toward being productive and constantly being busy, as if that means you are more worthy and successful, but that is absolutely not true. There’s a common belief that more hours worked equals more productivity. However, neglecting rest can lead to burnout and decreased efficiency, making the practice of taking a day off not just beneficial but necessary.
How Rest Can Improve Your Productivity
Rest can actually dramatically increase your productivity, even though it seems like the opposite would be true. By taking a full day off, you allow your brain to recover from the week’s stress. This recovery enables you to return to your tasks with a clearer mind and fresher perspective, often leading to faster and higher-quality output.
How Rest Makes You More Creative
When you rest, your mind isn’t idle; it’s often subconsciously solving problems and generating new ideas. This downtime is crucial for creativity, allowing for the collection of thoughts and leading to innovative solutions and breakthroughs that wouldn’t surface in a tired, overworked brain.
Rest Can Enhance Your Quality of Life
Regular rest contributes to a better quality of life by maintaining a balance between personal and professional life. It gives you time to enjoy leisure activities, spend time with loved ones, and pursue personal interests, which can improve your overall happiness and satisfaction with life.
Rest Helps to Prevent Health Issues Later on
Chronic stress and lack of rest can lead to serious health problems, including cardiovascular diseases, anxiety disorders, and depression. By taking a day of rest, you help reduce these risks, promoting not just immediate relaxation but long-term health benefits as well.
Tips for Planning Your Day of Rest
Plan your day of rest by marking it on your calendar as you would any important appointment. Decide how you want to spend the day—whether that’s indulging in a hobby, exploring nature, or simply lounging with a good book. The key is to do activities that replenish you, not drain you, ensuring you truly get to unwind.
Loving Life — The Reboot
Dominique
6 Comments
Florence E Callender
Every week, I have a day of rest. During that time, I pause from my regular routines and mundane labor. I use the time to reflect on God‘s blessings, to fellowship with others, and to worship God.
Martha
WOW this is great information and something I need to plan in my schedule. I always have to be busy even when I don’t have anything planned to do, I just can’t seem to sit and relax. It’s my mind that needs more rest than my body.
Tamara
I wholeheartedly agree to the importance of downtime. You can’t keep drving with an empty tank, you’ve got to recharge.
Laura Moseley
I LOVE this post! I am too busy burning the candle at both ends — I need to make myself rest more! I posted something similar, but about “bed rotting” in my UBC post for Day 10! Check it out! Great minds think alike!
Kristine
I am the one who skips rest. Ugh! I have always felt the pressure to do more, and I have always felt that what I have achieved was not good enough. Thanks for your insight and guidance. I will try to set aside a specific time each week for R&R
Shelby H.
This is such a great reminder about the importance of taking a day of rest! In my work as a carpet cleaner, the physical demands can really add up, and I’ve learned how crucial it is to pause and recharge. Your perspective really resonates with me, and I’m inspired to be more intentional about setting aside time to rest. Thank you for sharing this valuable insight!