Understand that rest is not an indulgence but a necessity for health, well-being, and productivity, similar to how sleep is now taken seriously.
Accept that your to-do list will never be fully complete, as new tasks constantly arise, so don’t wait for its completion to allow yourself to rest.
Overcome feelings of guilt about resting by acknowledging that it is okay and beneficial, even if there are always other things to be done, protecting your mental health.
Identify and engage in activities that genuinely help you relax, switch off from worrying, and take a pause, understanding that rest can be active (e.g., walking, exercise, gardening) and is highly individual.
Prescribe yourself specific, dedicated time (e.g., 15 minutes) for your chosen restful activity, committing to it without guilt for the benefit of your mental health and productivity.
Take short, couple-minute micro-breaks every hour, such as leaning back, shutting eyes, looking out the window, or making tea, to maintain concentration and improve well-being.
Instead of saving breaks as a reward after completing a task, take them proactively, even when facing a deadline, as this can help you complete the remaining work faster.
Actively reframe unavoidable waiting periods or ‘wasted’ time (e.g., queuing) as opportunities for rest, using them to observe your surroundings or simply do nothing instead of immediately reaching for your phone.
Be cautious not to eliminate your most restful and mentally beneficial activities (e.g., a hobby like choir) when trying to free up time, as these are often essential for your well-being.
Challenge the societal glorification of busyness by critically evaluating whether your busy activities are truly valuable and aligned with what you want to be doing with your time.
Identify and release self-imposed pressures for constant self-improvement (e.g., learning a new language) if they become a chore and contribute to busyness rather than well-being.