The importance of pause and rest: if we know, why don’t we do it?
In today’s society it seems that stopping is seen as an act of rebellion. This is because our culture idolizes productivity and rest is synonymous with laziness, inefficiency, lack of ambition.
But what if I told you that rest is actually one of the most important pillars for a balanced, healthy and full life? But are we applying this knowledge on a daily basis?
Throughout this article will discover the reasons for the need to stop through a conscious decision.
First of all, rest is a physiological need!
The human body was not designed to be in permanent mode of action. We need pauses. Time to breathe, integrate, recover. Rest is a physiological need, not a reward that we only deserve when “we have done enough” or are at the limit of overwork.
Scientific studies confirm that proper rest improves cardiovascular health, strengthens the immune system and reduces levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. In addition, it influences mental clarity, stimulates creativity and enhances the ability to make conscious decisions.
Several studies confirm that proper rest improves cardiovascular health, strengthens the immune system and reduces levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
According to Harvard Medical School, quality sleep and rest are essential for hormone regulation, emotional stability and even for the prevention of diseases such as anxiety, depression and cardiovascular problems. Chronic deprivation of rest can even accelerate aging and compromise overall well-being.
Knowing these benefits of rest, will we continue without stopping?
A large part of us continues to live in a constant rush and with the pressure not to produce is not useful, partly due to existing beliefs in society.
We were educated to value doing, fulfilling, producing, but not to value rest.
This is only deserved when the job is done and, even so, thinking already what to do next or even shorten it as much as possible.
How many times have you heard: “only rest who deserves” or “I did not enough to stop”, as if the rest was a prize only for those who reach a certain level of productivity.
Always on mode!
The pressure that is made on the human being is to live always connected, to the phone, to the networks, to the expectations of others, to work.
On social networks themselves, we see lives that always seem to be in motion: achievements, projects, productivity marathons. How many sharing moments of pause or silence come to mind?
This feeds a feeling that we are falling behind if we are not always producing.
But this constant comparison is misleading. Each body has its own rhythm. And stopping does not mean being behind, it means moving forward in a more conscious and sustainable way.
The body speaks. Are we hearing it?
The body is wise. It warns us when limits are being crossed. But are we and do we hear the body?
- Constant irritability and impatience;
- Lack of concentration, forgetfulness, feeling of “clouded mind”;
- Exhaustion, even after hours of sleep;
- Insomnia, headaches or in the body, low immunity;
- Lack of motivation even for what previously gave us pleasure.
These signals should not be normalized, but should serve as a warning. Ignoring them can have serious consequences.
Rest without guilt!
You don’t need to run away to a retreat or change your life radically. Rest can (and should) be integrated into the daily routine, with small conscious gestures:
- Make micro-breaks throughout the day: breathe, stretch, close your eyes;
- Reduce notifications and screen time – silence is a form of rest;
- Schedule moments of leisure as you would schedule an important meeting;
- Get enough sleep, eat carefully and move with pleasure;
- Practice ‘mindfulness‘ and listen to your body without judgment. Not familiar with these techniques? Find out here how we can help!
Any of these small actions, repeated consistently, create a new way of living.
Rest will never waste time. It is to recover it
Do not internalize and enter the negative spiral that stop is a sign of weakness. On the contrary, it is a sign of wisdom that protects the bold. It is an act of self-respect, emotional intelligence, preservation of vital energy.
Rest gives us presence, clarity, health and teaches us to be in the world without getting too lost.
And most importantly, it reminds us that our value does not depend on what we produce!
Stop just because and because you chose to take care of yourself!