In today’s increasingly fast-paced world (and throughout history) we’ve become programmed to believe that if we are not productive nearly 24/7, that we are somehow “lazy.” We live in a society where we are constantly pressured to do more with less, be more than we were yesterday, produce more than our peers (and faster), and constantly want more than we have. But what if there was another way?

While we are still fans of goal setting and self-improvement, the constant pushing and pressuring to do more does little but result in a burnt out, sick, and unhappy population. After all, we are human beings not human doings. But why is it so hard for us to rest?

Why We Overwork Ourselves

Cultural Influence: The main reason many of us refuse to relax is because we are heavily influenced by the culture around us (whether we like to admit it or not). We live in a culture (especially in the United States) of extreme busyness. We are taught that the busiest people who get the most done are the most valuable, and that the need for rest is a sign of “weakness” and “laziness.”

Sense of Superiority: There is social currency in being hyper-productive; those who constantly work 14-hour days and never rest are seen as “strong,” “impressive, and “determined,” and we applaud them for it! When we overwork ourselves, we often view it as a badge of honor. Being the one who gets the most done, who works the most hours, and who is the most productive feeds our ego and allows us to feel superior. This is especially prevalent in the workplace; those who expend every ounce of energy they have in order to achieve the most are rewarded – making those who refuse to do so feel that they are not trying hard enough and are not as highly valued.

Avoidance of Deeper Issues: Being over productive and constantly busy allows us to avoid addressing what is really going on inside of us. If we never have time to stop and connect with ourselves, we can avoid dealing with the issues in our life – whether they be relationship issues, career dissatisfaction, loneliness, grief, etc.

Rest is Productive

While many of us know the importance of rest for our longevity, physical health, and mental wellness – it is also actually productive to rest. The saying is true that you must put your own oxygen mask on first before assisting anyone else. If you are someone who finds it difficult to relax, we encourage you to try and reframe the way you view stillness. It is impossible to pour from an empty cup, so unless you fill your cup first, you will have nothing to give to your relationships, family, work or community. Rest is also necessary for reflection so you can best determine what it is that you want out of this life and take the steps to achieve it. Finally, rest allows us to show up as our best selves in the world, with healthy energy and grace, which will then lead to us producing our best work – much better than if operate from burned out mode.

Embracing Stillness

So how do we embrace stillness? We simply make it a priority. Instead of waiting for an opportunity to allow yourself to rest, you must create it. The perfect time to finally relax will never come - there will never be a good time. If you feel like you do not deserve a break until all the work is done or until every task on your to-do list has been completed, you will never get one. We see day in and out that the work will never be done and the to-do list will never be fully completed. Please remember that you deserve to rest, no matter who it disappoints. As Soojung-Kim Pang states in his book Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less, "make time for rest, take it seriously, and protect it from a world that is intent on stealing it."

It is also vital to let go of the desire (or the need) for the social rewards that people in our culture receive for being over-productive. Learn to value yourself and your life based on your own standards, your own happiness, and your own fulfillment – not society’s expectations of you.

Finally, eliminate the guilt that will come when you begin to prioritize rest. Remember that the beliefs instilled in you are not your own, but from a culture designed to burn us out. Remind yourself that rest is indeed productive and is not an indulgence but an absolute necessity.

There is so much more to this life than being productive. Being hyperactive prevents us from noticing the truly magnificent world around us. Make it a priority this month to give yourself more breaks. Focus on sleeping more, meditating, going on more nature walks, reading, or just simply doing nothing.

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