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Positively_Lisa

The case for rest (with science to back it up).

Published 3 months ago • 2 min read

Reader

There's a story a lot of us have been carrying for a long time. That rest is something you get to eventually, once everything else is handled. That slowing down means falling behind. That the people who are really serious about their goals don't need as much of it.

That story is costing you more than you realize.

Here's what we need to understand: Rest isn't recovery from work. It's part of the work. When you stay in a stress state too long, you lose access to the very parts of your brain responsible for creativity, problem-solving, and clear thinking. You're not pushing through, you're cutting yourself off.

And the thing is, you already knew this. When you were a kid, you rested and played without needing anyone to justify it. Somewhere along the way, you got the message that those things were for other seasons of life.

If you want to rethink your relationship with rest, consider these ideas from my podcast conversation with guest Gary Ware:

  • Rest comes in three sizes. Macro rest is about sleep quality, not just quantity. Micro rest is the five-minute break between tasks that actually resets your capacity. Mezzo rest is the half day, the hobby, the full step away from work — and it's where a lot of the creative breakthroughs happen. Most of us are only working with one of the three.
  • What counts as rest is personal. Gary describes different play personalities — and what restores one person drains another. The goal isn't to follow a prescription, it's to notice what actually works for you.
  • Transitions matter more than you think. Going directly from a stressful call into your next task carries that stress forward. Even a two-minute deliberate pause between things changes what you bring to what comes next.
  • The "when/then" trigger is simple and it works. When I finish X, I will take five minutes to do Y, because it makes me feel Z. Naming the benefit keeps your brain from talking you out of it.

You were not wrong to want rest. You were not wrong to need play. The science just finally caught up to what you knew as a kid.

Want to learn more? Check out Episode #323 of the Positively Living® Podcast:

>> Listen to the podcast here​

>> Read the blog post here​

If you want a starting point for what is restful and playful for you, your Joy List is one of the most useful tools you can use. It's in the free resources library at positivelyproductive.com/resources and if you don't have access yet, you can sign up or simply hit reply and I'll get it to you.

Until next week, keep making space for what matters (and remember that means you).

♥

Lisa

Positively Productive Systems Resources

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Positively_Lisa

Productivity Coach + Podcast Host | Shame-free, Sustainable Solutions

I’m Lisa Zawrotny, a Productivity Coach, host of the Positively Living® Podcast, and founder of Positively Productive Systems, on a mission to redefine productivity with compassion. I help overwhelmed clients ditch hustle culture and design shame-free, personalized systems that lead to sustainable success—without burnout or sacrificing what they love. I believe productivity is meant to support a more satisfying, joy-filled life. For me, that means road-tripping with my husband and teens, making music with my family and friends, and inspiring others with my voice. One of my favorite ways to recharge is curling up with a book, an iced coffee, and a cat on my lap. ------------------------------------------- Check out the resources I offer below and request my Toolkit to reduce overwhelm, boost energy, and align your actions with your values!

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