Recently, I spoke with a friend who shared about how he put so much into work, was very tired, didn’t have enough rest, and it spiralled into burnout.
Many of us face varying amplitudes of this— but don’t get to the point where you’re burned out to take a break!
I’ve also been recognising the importance of rest lately, and have been more intentional in scheduling breaks.
Rest isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. The good news is, even in the busiest seasons, you can carve out moments to recharge. It’s not about having more time; it’s about using the time you have wisely.
We are humans, with limitations, and we were not created to be machines! Hence, we need to rest as well. It allows your body to recover, your mind to reset, and your emotions to stabilize. Studies show that consistent rest improves productivity, enhances creativity, and reduces stress. Without it, burnout looms, leaving you less capable of handling life’s demands.
Despite its importance, rest is often the first thing we sacrifice. We push through exhaustion, telling ourselves there’s too much to do. But the truth is, the busier you are, the more you need rest.
1.Schedule your leave
One of the things I like to do is projecting and taking a random weekday of annual leave every month to two months, even if I don’t have anything planned for that day. As my day job requires for me to work weekends as well, and sometimes more than two weeks straight, it is possible to sometimes go more than 20 days without a day of rest.
To “try” to mitigate this, I take some leave once a month so that I at least get one day off the month~and I’d have something to look forward to.
2.Redefine what rest means
Rest doesn’t have to mean lying on the couch (though it can!). It might be a walk in nature, a quiet moment with a book, or a creative activity that brings you joy. Find what recharges you and incorporate it into your routine.
3.Arranging one fun thing a week… or at least once a fortnight
This can be from a fun movie night, to exploring a new mall or park– having something to look forward to can be a mood boster!
It’s easy to feel guilty about resting when there’s so much to do, but remember: rest is productive. It’s an investment in your health, focus, and happiness. By prioritizing rest, you’re better equipped to show up for the people and responsibilities that matter most.
Finding time to rest isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Start small, experiment with what works for you, and give yourself permission to pause. In the midst of busyness, rest can be your secret weapon—a powerful tool to help you not just survive but thrive.
