Where does rest fit in your real life?


Reader

Rest isn't one size fits all. What genuinely restores one person can drain another. An introvert coming off back-to-back calls needs something completely different than an extrovert who's been working solo all week. A person deep in analytical work needs a different kind of break than someone who's been in emotional conversations all day. And your answer might be different on Tuesday than it was on Monday.

Most of us know we need more rest. The question we're actually asking is where does it fit and what does it even look like for me?

The answer starts with self-discovery before it gets to scheduling. Because if you skip that step, you end up with rest that doesn't actually restore you.

If you want to figure out what rest looks like for you, consider starting here:

  • Start with your Joy List. This simple exercise helps you reconnect with what genuinely brings you energy and joy. Hit reply and I'll send it your way. For an audio guide on how to use it, Episode 297, The Joy List: Your Key to Self-Care, walks you through the whole thing.
  • Pay attention to how you feel after, not during. Some things that feel indulgent in the moment leave you more depleted than before. Some things that feel almost too simple (like a short walk, ten minutes of reading, sitting outside) leave you noticeably more settled.
  • Use the when/then trigger for micro breaks. When I finish my client call, I will step outside for five minutes because it helps me reset and have a clear mind for the next task. The "because" matters. Your brain is more likely to follow through when it knows the reason.
  • Build transitions in. Going directly from one demanding thing into the next carries stress forward. Even a two-minute pause changes what you bring to everything that follows. I have a two-minute transition meditation for exactly this. If you'd like access, hit reply and I'll get it to you.

You don't need to overhaul your schedule. Pick one size of rest and make one change. Small and consistent will always beat ambitious and abandoned.

Want to learn more? Check out Episode #324 of the Positively Living® Podcast:

>> Listen to the podcast here​

>> Read the blog post here​

Rest that actually happens does more than a perfect plan that never gets started.

♥

Lisa


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Positively_Lisa

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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