Rest: The Arch-Enemy of Productivity?

I get in trouble a lot over on Twitter. If someone isn't quote tweeting me, they're trying to start an argument with me in my DMs. The worst thing I've been ever been called is the 'problem with capitalism'. Whilst I am a number of different things and I have no problem owning up to them, even that title is far too big for little ol' me. People get angry with me because I always go on and on about productivity. Well, here's the simple truth: pro-productivity is not anti-rest. In fact, anybody that truly understands how productivity works could tell you that.

However, rest means different things to different people. But also ironically, work also means things to different people. So, you have to first figure out what work is to you, before you can figure out how best you rest. That way you can ensure you're getting enough of it.

Let me try to break this down to get you started:

👉🏾 Resting doesn't have to mean doing absolutely nothing

Whilst I love what I do overall, the emails, the meetings, the Zoom calls- it's all work to me. However, there is one aspect of my day that I don't actually classify as 'work' and that's the time I spend doing consultations with lovely people like you. It's because for those 60 minutes, talking about talent withtalent is my favourite thing to do and in that time I don't have a million things running around in my head like I usually do. Why? Because I'm giving my client some real focused attention. It's like nothing else exists. In fact when my clients ask me how's my day been, I often tell them that the call we're about to have is going to be a welcome and much-needed break from such a busy day. Now, having to conduct a consultation may not be your idea of rest, but it is for me because I'm able to solely focus on doing something I'm really passionate about.

👉🏾 Resting doesn't have to look like flip-flops

When most people think of rest, I'm sure they think of a nice holiday. Somewhere really warm on a sandy beach. Somewhere with really soft waves rolling in, where there is total peace and tranquility. That might sound great to you, but that's literally my idea of hell. I just can't sit still, I have to be doing something, so lounging on the beach would probably make me more agitated. Resting for me is my morning jog- it's a great opportunity for me to clear my head and have a little me time ahead of my day. I usually also listen to a great podcast episode as I go to either entertain or stimulate my brain. That's not exactly the sandy white beaches, but that's honestly when I feel the most relaxed. You might like rock-climbing or playing an instrument or perhaps learning a new language.

👉🏾 Resting doesn't have to sound like ambience

All of those meditation apps will have you thinking that rest is a delicate little process with extremely light music in the background. It certainly can be. Every day I have scheduled into my calendar an hour to just read. This is non-negotiable time for me, but sometimes this isn't always possible. So, when I'm feeling a little tense or stressed, I blast my favourite tunes and have a dance-off with myself in the mirror. Or sometimes, I end up venting/arguing with myself in the mirror, before bursting out laughing. And if I don't get the chance to do any of that during the day? Then best believe that I'm going heavy on the Netflix in the evening. The point here is that rest can sound different too, it does not have to be silence.

Rest is simply about redirecting your attention to things that bring you joy. What brings you joy?