The magic of rest is something we often overlook, especially when we feel like we don’t have time for it.
We’ve been taught that rest is a reward. Something you “earn” once everything else is done. But what if rest isn’t the thing you do after productivity?
What if rest is what makes productivity, creativity, and clarity possible in the first place?
Some of the most energizing ideas I’ve ever had came to me when I was doing absolutely nothing. Like lounging by the pool in Thailand during a winter break. Or spending time in one of my happy places with people I love, soaking in the moment, not pushing for anything.
There’s a kind of quiet magic in those in-between moments. When you stop striving. When your nervous system settles. When your mind finally exhales.
And suddenly, ideas appear. Your vision clears. You feel like yourself again.
The Magic of Rest When You Feel Too Busy to Pause
If you’re anything like many of the women I work with, rest doesn’t come easily to you. Not because you don’t crave it, but because it feels undeserved.
There’s still so much to do. So many open loops. So many roles to fill.
Rest gets pushed to the bottom of the list… right below “finally feel like myself.”
But here’s the truth:
You don’t rest because you have time. You rest so that you can return with clarity, calm, and energy to move forward.
Why the Magic of Rest Isn’t Laziness—It’s Leadership
Some of the most creative people in the world know this, too. Biz Stone, one of the co-founders of Twitter, has famously said he gets his best ideas while hiking or taking a shower.
These seemingly ‘unproductive’ moments often create the space for inspiration to flow, because the mind is finally free to wander.
Our minds and subconscious are always trying to make meaning of what we experience, learn, and observe. But when we’re in constant overdrive, we don’t give ourselves the space to connect the dots. By stepping away, calming down, and focusing on something entirely different, we create space for insights, connections, and solutions we hadn’t considered before.
Rest can look like stillness. But it can also look like:
- Taking a walk with no destination
- Stepping away from your desk to stretch or breathe
- Saying “not now” to the next task
- Letting your mind wander instead of forcing an outcome
And yes, it can also appear to be doing absolutely nothing at all.
We live in a world that rewards hustle and constant output. But your most meaningful ideas rarely come from that place.
They come from quiet. From pause. From the space you create when you stop trying to fix or figure everything out.
The magic of rest isn’t just about sleep—it’s about allowing space for your body and mind to reset.
How to Find the Magic of Rest Without Leaving Home
Of course, it’s easier to rest when you’re away from home, sitting poolside or surrounded by beauty. But the magic of rest isn’t tied to location.
It’s tied to intention.
You can feel it:
- In a quiet moment with a cup of tea
- On the couch, watching the light change
- In the decision to close your laptop before you’ve “earned it”
It takes more effort to do nothing at home because the distractions are endless.
But even a few minutes of intentional pause can bring the same clarity as a weekend away.
A Gentle Invitation
If you’ve been pushing, striving, or running on autopilot… this is your reminder:
The next time you start shaming yourself for not being productive—because there’s still so much to do—remember me, and give yourself a little kindness (or a hug). You deserve it. And if you feel like it, permit yourself to pause.
The magic doesn’t come from doing more.
It comes from giving yourself space to breathe.
You don’t have to earn your rest.
You have to allow it.
Your next idea, your next step, your renewed energy—it might be waiting on the other side of doing nothing.
Want to Explore This More?
You might also love:
- The Joy Factor: Why Fun & Play Matter for Your Health After 40
- Why Self-Compassion—Not Perfection—Is the Key to Your Wellness Routine
- Mindfulness for Busy Women: The Power of The Pause
- Trust Your Intuition: Why It’s Your Inner North Star (Not a Perfect Plan)
- Building your Self-Care Toolbox: The Essentials for Busy Women
- Gentle Wellness Habits: What If Change Doesn’t Look Like What You Think It Does
- Honoring Your Well-Being: The Gentle Art of Setting Boundaries
- The Courage to Change: What Sets Real Growth in Motion
- How to Tune In to Your Body: The Skill That Changes Everything
- Trust the Dots: How Small Acts of Self-Care Add Up to Big Change
- How to Go from Idea to Action in Midlife: Simple Steps to Reclaim Your Energy
- Post-Vacation Blues? How to Keep That Holiday Feeling Alive at Home
Ready to gently reset?
Grab one of my feel-good freebies; it only takes 5 minutes to reset and see results:
Or book a Quick Chat and let’s explore what feeling better looks like for you.
Comments +