The Power of Paradox: How to Rest Productively
By Chin-Undram Odsuren
Sometimes, less is more. It is especially true in a world where we celebrate hustle culture more than a healthy balance. For entrepreneurs who jump from one job to another, resting can seem a concept far too unfamiliar, perhaps even unnecessary. But ironically, taking your time to rest actually makes you go further! This article teaches how to rest “productively” and improve your productivity.
Whether you are a college student or an entrepreneur, you probably sacrifice sleep first during a busy period. Ironically, going restless actually declines productivity and performance. Many research proves that quality REM sleep is the key to getting things done. If you are looking for ways to increase productivity in general, check this article out. Now, let’s get into how to rest productively!
First, acknowledge restorative rest as a productivity tool
Resting is not an absence of work. When we are resting, our brain does not forget to function. It examines our situation, finds new information, and finds answers based on them. Author Alex Soojung Kim Pang in his book “Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less” explored the concept, concluding that this intuitive process helps our brain uncover information that we need for work. So, next time you find yourself on the couch, allow your brain to do its magic and wake up with new ideas ready to go.
Find your type of relaxation
One size does not fit all. While some people relax by being in a quiet place, others like to engage in an active hobby. We do not want to exhaust ourselves trying to slow down as someone else does. Find a hobby or an activity that relaxes your mind and body.
Prioritize it
Now that we know how helpful resting is and what we can do, we need to prioritize it. Plan ahead the time you need for yourself and stick to it! Remember by prioritizing time to wind down, you are essentially prioritizing yourself and your work.
Ideas to wind down:
- Take a set of time off your work
- Disconnect from social media to reconnect
- Move your body
- Read a book / listen to a podcast
