Imagine that moment in class when you are in a utkatasana twist. It’s so intense you are working, breathing, and sweating hard, but you give it everything. Then the release to the forward fold (uttanasana) comes, and you rest deeply. Everything drops; maybe you even drool a little (haha). The point is that you work hard, then rest deeply, then go back to hard work, twisting to the other side. Then back to deep rest again. At the physical level, you are teaching yourself this fundamental rhythm to a life of fulfillment. Every time you practice this posture, you reinforce the importance of this balance because that is what you experience after working hard and resting deeply.
Success is one piece of the fulfillment puzzle. We often push ourselves to achieve ever-increasing productivity levels. But what happens when this relentless pursuit comes at the cost of our health and well-being? In today's on-demand world, the concept of rest is neglected at best. We talk about someone having a good work ethic but rarely speak about maintaining a good rest ethic. That is almost synonymous with “lazy.”
In actuality, true work-life balance isn't achieved by neglecting rest but rather by embracing self-care practices that ultimately lead to a more sustainable and fulfilling approach to work. Let's redefine productivity by exploring how prioritizing self-rest can fuel our drive, creativity, and overall performance.
When asked what surprised the Dalai Lama most about humanity, he answered "Man! Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health.”
Contrary to popular belief, prioritizing rest actually leads to increased productivity in various ways. Here's how:
1. Enhanced Focus and Concentration: When you're well-rested, your brain functions at its peak. You can focus on tasks more intensely, process information better, and avoid distractions more easily. This leads to higher quality work completed in a shorter amount of time.
2. Improved Decision-Making: Fatigue and stress can cloud your judgment and lead to poor decision-making. Adequate rest ensures you approach challenges with a clear head, analyze data effectively, and make sound choices that benefit your work.
3. Boosted Creativity: Rest allows your brain to enter a "default mode network" state where it wanders freely and generates new ideas. This is often when sparks of inspiration hit and creative solutions to problems arise. Taking breaks and engaging in relaxing activities can unlock your creative potential.
4. Increased Energy and Motivation: Feeling constantly drained and exhausted reduces your motivation and drive to tackle tasks. Resting allows your body and mind to recharge, leading to renewed energy levels and a more positive attitude towards work.
5. Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: A well-rested brain is better equipped to process information, identify patterns, and connect the dots, leading to more effective problem-solving. Additionally, sleep is crucial for consolidating memories, which helps you store and retrieve information relevant to completing tasks.
6. Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Chronic stress and anxiety can significantly impair your ability to work efficiently. Engaging in self-care practices and prioritizing rest helps manage stress levels, leading to a calmer and more focused mind that can better handle work challenges.
7. Improved Emotional Regulation: Being well-rested allows you to manage your emotions effectively and respond to situations calmly. This fosters better communication and collaboration with colleagues, leading to a more positive and productive work environment.
8. Stronger Immune System: Adequate sleep and rest strengthen your immune system, making you less susceptible to illnesses that can disrupt your work schedule.
Rather than asking if rest is as important as work, a more accurate way to view it is that both rest and work are crucial for a healthy, balanced, and fulfilling life. They are not opposing forces but rather complementary aspects of our daily routine. Work requires a certain skill set to be good at “doing.” Rest is the opposite skill set but equally important. To breathe in requires effort, but to breathe out, no effort is required. It is an act of letting go. Similarly, to “Do” requires effort, but to rest, you must relax. You must let go. Learning to rest properly and effectively is a complementary self-mastery. Here's why both rest and work are important.
Work provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Engaging in work helps us contribute to society, develop skills, and achieve goals. This can bring a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
Financial stability: Work provides the means to earn income, ensuring financial security and the ability to meet our living needs and care for those we choose.
Social interaction: For many people, work provides opportunities for social interaction, building relationships, and fostering a sense of belonging, teamwork, and community.
Rest is essential for physical and mental health and well-being. Adequate rest, including sleep and relaxation, are essential for the body and mind to function optimally. It allows for physical repair, emotional processing, and cognitive recharge and repair.
Boosts productivity and creativity: When well-rested, individuals can focus better, make better decisions, and think more creatively. This leads to higher quality work and increased efficiency.
Reduces stress and promotes mental health: Chronic stress and overwork can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression. Prioritizing rest helps manage stress levels and promotes emotional well-being.
Strengthens the immune system: Adequate sleep and rest are crucial for a healthy immune system, making you less susceptible to illnesses.
Therefore, aiming for a balance between work and rest is key. This balance will vary depending on individual circumstances, but prioritizing both aspects is essential for long-term well-being and success in all aspects of life.
Instead of viewing them as competing forces, consider work as fueling your personal growth and goals, while rest acts as the foundation for maintaining the energy and resilience needed to pursue those goals effectively.
It is just as we learn in our asana practice. Equal but opposing force creates balance and stability. “Yoga is balance.”
Rest is more than sleep. Have you ever woken up in the morning after a full night of sleep and still felt tired? Of course, you have. You are missing some other form of rest beyond sleep. Here are some of the other ways we need to rest:
Give your body the physical rest it needs to recover from exertion throughout the day. This not only includes getting enough sleep at night but also:
Spiritual rest is time spent reconnecting with your essence-nature and away from the demands of our mundane existence.
Mental rest is giving your mind a break from constant stimulation, computing, and problem-solving. This can be achieved through activities like:
Allow yourself to process and release difficult emotions in healthy ways.
Limit exposure to overwhelming sensory stimuli, such as loud noises, technology, bright lights, and cluttered environments. This can be achieved by:
Giving yourself a break from creative pursuits avoids burnout and fosters space for new ideas.
It’s all about practice, repetition, and gentleness. Commit to practicing rest every day and getting good sleep. Consistency is key.
What you do every day is what becomes your “normal.” Normalize rest. If you are new to rest and good at “doing,” there will initially be an internal struggle. There will be that nagging voice or feeling that you are being “lazy” and “should be using your time more productively.” Be gentle but consistent with your new commitment to balance through rest. Remind yourself that productive use of time is not the same as effective use of time. The time you use to rest is not wasted time.
Ready to deepen your rest practice? Join one of our yoga or pilates classes. Explore our full schedule and find a class that fulfills your need for rest. Let's reclaim rest together!