The Myth of Rest

In general, Americans live in a culture that doesn’t value rest.

We glorify the Puritanical work ethic and hustle culture, praising those who power through and rewarding long hours often at the expense of wellness.

The default focus in most conversations about “productivity” is about what you’re doing and how to do it more efficiently.

I’m seeing a slow shifting of the tide as more people are talking about the importance of rest.

This is a positive development and I want to encourage it.

For years, I’ve written a lot about rest, including about my own struggle with learning how to rest, and the reasons that many of us often don’t take the rest we need.

In that time I’ve incorporated a range of tools and practices in my “Rest Toolbox.”

Yoga nidra. Yin yoga. Restorative yoga. Sound healing. Naps.

These passive and receptive practices have helped me break the endless cycle of doing. I love these practices and love sharing them with others.

AND …

Some of the new talk about rest can perpetuate a myth that “rest” must look a certain way, that it must be passive and receptive, and that if you’re doing something you aren’t also resting.

It’s important to recognize that rest can look different at different times.

Rest doesn’t always mean coming to stillness. In fact, too much passive rest can be just as debilitating and draining as too much activity.

“I need to rest,” can become a form of resistance — an excuse to avoid doing what makes us uncomfortable.

Rest is about *rest*oring the body and mind.

Sometimes the best way to do that is through activity and movement — even something strenuous.

Today I stepped off the grid to go rafting with some friends. We spent almost 5 hours on the Delaware River, taking in the peaceful and lush landscape.

The river is low, and at times we got stuck on rocks and worked hard to free our raft. In other spots we were able to put down our oars and just float along.

It was a long day, but I felt truly rejuvenated at the end. The day contained 3 elements that are crucial for restoration:

• Nature
• Friends
• Movement

Equally as important is what the day did not include: screens.

No news. No articles. No social media. No reading. And no writing (until I returned).

None of this is to say that passive rest isn’t also important.

This is a case of a both/and.

Rest and restoration aren’t one-size-fits all. The key is to know what you need and in what proportions.

If you’re engaging in passive rest and not feeling restored, maybe it’s time for some more active rest.