How to Prioritize Rest (Without the Guilt)
Rest. We all need it, but somehow, we tell ourselves we don’t deserve it.
Maybe you’ve told yourself:
“There’s no rest for me until my to-do list is done.”
“I should be doing something constructive.”
“If I’m relaxing I’m wasting time.”
Sound familiar?
Here’s the truth: Rest isn’t a reward. It’s a necessity. And learning to accept it — without guilt — is one of the best things you can do for your well-being and your productivity.
So let’s discuss the ways to reduce rest as a luxury and how to incorporate rest into your life as a non-negotiable.
Step 1: Reframe What Rest Actually Is
Many of us think of rest as inactivity — lying on the couch, scrolling social media, mindlessly watching TV.
“Rest is not just shutting down.” It’s about refilling your energy in a way that can truly replenish you.
True rest can look like:
A book you love (not related to your job!)
Having a slow walk with no particular aim
Drinking a cup of tea in silence
Stretching or deep breathing
Laughing with a friend
If what you consider “rest” still finds you feeling depleted, it may be time to reevaluate what really replenishes you.
Step 2: Identify Signs of Rest Deficiency
Most of us don’t know we need rest until we’re tired. By then, it’s too late.
Instead, look out for early warning signs:
Fussing about little things
Difficulty remembering or concentrating
Fatigue, despite being able to sleep enough
Loss of creative or competitive drive
These are all indicators that your body and mind are running on fumes. And the only real solution? More rest.
Step 3: Allow Yourself to Rest (Without Guilt)
Ever feel guilty for resting? That’s because we’ve been trained to associate our value with our productivity.
But here’s a mindset shift:
Rest is not subtracting from your productivity — it’s adding to it.
Imagine rest as if it were a battery recharge for your phone. You don’t let it get to 0% and then plug it in. You recharge before it dies.
Take a break before you relax and give yourself permission to do so. You don’t have to “earn” it.
Step 4: Insert Small Moments of Rest on Purpose
Rest does not necessarily have to be a whole day off. You can deliberately carve out new micro-rest moments in your day.
Here are some simple, nonfussy ways to fit rest into your day without throwing it out the window:
Take 60 seconds and stop before moving onto the next task.
Close your eyes and breathe five times deeply.
Get outside for fresh air, between meetings.
For five minutes, listen to music without multitasking.
Stretch for a few minutes if you’ve been sitting too long.
These little breaks may feel trivial, but they accumulate. And the best part? They require zero extra time.
Step 5: Make Rest an Appointment
If rest isn’t in your calendar, it likely won’t be done.
Schedule time for rest, just as you schedule work meetings and errands. Shut that off, and make it firewalls-up if you have to.
This could mean:
A 20-minute afternoon break before your energy crashes.
A weekly hour of “do-nothing” time, no pressure.
A hard “no work after 8 PM” policy.
Guarding your rest time isn’t selfish — it’s survival.
Step 6: Understand That Rest Looks Different for Everyone
What heals one person may not resonate with another. The trick is to know what really recharges you.
Others require a little time alone to recover, slowly reaching a reboot. Others crave connection: everyone laughing with friends, calling a loved one, playing a game.
Some require physical rest such as sleep or laying still. Others need creative rest like painting, writing or even cooking.
So try out different kinds of rest until you find what makes you feel better rather than just diverted.
The Bottom Line: Rest Is Not a Reward — It’s a Strategy
You don’t have to wait until you’re fully burned out to rest. You don’t need to justify it. You don’t have to feel guilty about it.
Rest is what enables you to become your best version of yourself—not only at work, but in life.
So take a deep breath. Slow down. And allow yourself the break you really deserve.