Why Rest Isn’t Lazy: The Science and Psychology of Slowing Down
In a world that rewards constant productivity, rest can feel like a guilty pleasure. But rest isn’t laziness - it’s a biological and emotional necessity.
Why We Resist Rest
Many of us learned early on that our worth is tied to how much we do.
Slowing down can trigger thoughts like:
- I’m wasting time
- Other people work harder than me
- I’ll fall behind
These thoughts often come from old conditioning, not present reality.
The Science of Rest
Rest isn’t just about doing nothing - it’s an active process where your body and brain repair, process, and integrate. Without it:
- Stress hormones stay elevated
- Your immune system weakens
- Creativity and problem-solving suffer
- Emotional regulation becomes harder
How to Rest Without Guilt
- Reframe it - see rest as an investment, not an indulgence
- Plan it in - schedule downtime like you would a meeting
- Start small - take short pauses if longer breaks feel uncomfortable
- Notice the benefits - track how rest improves your mood, focus, or energy
You don’t need to earn your rest, you need rest to thrive.
How to Cope When Life Throws More Than You Can Handle
Sometimes life doesn’t just hand you one challenge - it piles them on. In those moments, even getting through the day can feel impossible. Step One: Pause When everything feels urgent, your body can stay in high alert. Taking even 30 seconds to pause - with a breath, a
Rachel Shaw
How to Actually Listen to Your Body (And Why It Matters)
We’re told to listen to our bodies all the time, but what does that really mean? For many of us, especially if we’ve been through trauma, our connection with our body can feel distant or confusing. Why It Can Be Hard to Tune In If you’ve learned
Rachel Shaw
