Many people might not admit to spending a day doing absolutely nothing, but that is exactly how I have spent my day. It can take time to recover from difficult days, and I would argue that we need to allow ourselves that time.
We’re often so focused on productivity and achievement, it can feel counterintuitive to stop, rest, and allow ourselves to do nothing. Even if we don’t feel guilty for taking a break, work commitments and family commitments can prevent us from doing so.
In her book, All You Need Is Rest, Mita Mistry reminds us that “how we relax, calm our minds and recharge our bodies directly impacts our wellbeing”.
That won’t come as a surprise to anyone, but we don’t always listen to the signals our bodies are giving us to slow down. The result can be burnout, worsening mental health, and physical complaints too.
The Power of Rest in Mental Health Recovery
Mental health recovery isn’t about pushing through the pain but about respecting our limits and nurturing our well-being. Rest plays a part too. It can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by allowing your mind the chance to reset.
“Most of the time, not everything needs to be completed or even decided on the same day. Take time out from your responsibilities and when you return you will feel recharged and more able to tackle any problems ~ Mita Mistry.”
We’re not just referring to sleep or a decrease in physical activity here. There is also psychological rest. This includes things that reduce our cognitive demands – reading fiction, watching a TV show – and is also known as ‘Wakeful Rest’. It gives our brain a break from intense focusing or thinking too much.
Resting and doing nothing can be a profoundly healing experience, offering comfort and rejuvenation when we need it most. By giving ourselves permission to rest, we allow our body and mind the space to process, release, and heal from life’s demands.
Recognising When We Need to Rest
Stress and mental health challenges can affect everyone differently, but there are often telltale signs when our body and mind need a break. We might feel persistently tired, irritable, or find it hard to focus.
Physically, our body might feel tense, and we may experience frequent headaches, stomach issues, or even catch colds more easily due to a weakened immune system.
Ignoring these signals can lead to more significant problems down the line. Our body has a natural way of communicating its needs, and when it’s telling us to rest, that’s often because it’s depleted of energy or resources.
Rest allows our body and mind to recharge, giving us the strength to face life’s challenges with resilience. When we feel the urge to slow down, it’s a sign that our body is seeking balance.
The Science of Rest and Recovery
Rest is more than just a chance to recharge – it’s a vital process that allows our body to repair itself and our mind to process emotions and experiences.
Research has shown that chronic stress can have harmful effects on the body, including increased risk of heart disease, weakened immunity, and mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.
Taking time to rest lowers the stress hormone cortisol, giving our body the chance to repair and rebalance.
Rest also improves cognitive function, enhancing focus, creativity, and decision-making skills. Studies indicate that rest – whether it’s through quality sleep, quiet reflection, or simply “doing nothing” – helps the brain process information and regulate emotions.
When we take a break, you’re not just avoiding exhaustion, we’re actively supporting your body’s natural healing processes.
The Benefits of Doing Nothing
For some, doing nothing might feel highly unproductive and even laziness, but is a valuable form of rest. Taking a break from mental and physical exertion can reduce stress, clear our mind, improve our mood and allow us to decompress.
We’re not abandoning our goals or obligations. Instead, we’re ensuring that we have the physical and emotional resources to meet them.
When we allow ourself time to do nothing, we give our mind space to unwind, releasing any pent-up stress and promoting a sense of calm.
Doing nothing also cultivates mindfulness, helping us become more aware of our body’s needs and our mental state. This heightened self-awareness can improve how we respond to stress in the future.
Instead of pushing through, we learn to recognise when you need to slow down, creating a habit of checking in with ourself and making rest a priority.
Tips to help us rest
Mita Mistry offers a range of advance for achieving rest and recuperation in her book, All You Need Is Rest. These include:
- Ensure we have a safe space to share emotions freely with those who support us
- Spend time in solitude to help gather our thoughts, lower stress levels and recharge
- Take micro breaks – drink tea, gaze out of a window, listen to music, stretch our legs
- Prioritise relaxation and set boundaries
- Immerse ourself in an easy-watching film, ideally a comedy that makes us laugh
- Connect with nature and enjoy a slow, mindful walk and take in the songs and sights around us
- Take time to read, doodle or do a puzzle
- Enjoy a bathing ritual with scented candles and music
- Set up an evening routine to ensure we get enough sleep
On solitude, which appeals more to introverts than extroverts, Mistry says:
“… solitude is a proven stress reducer and confidence booster – it nurtures your sense of self, helps you gather your thoughts and feelings and allows you to discover new insights about yourself. It can also spark creative ideas.”
The micro breaks are something that can be taken during the working day – grabbing a couple of minutes here and there. Every hour is ideal. Establishing boundaries means we protect our down time and also helps us say no to requests and demands.
“Give yourself permission to say no. Go at your pace, do whatever makes you happy – it’s not your job to please everyone.”
The restorative power of nature is well documented. Getting up and out when our mood is slow, can be challenging. But it’s something to aim for once life gets a little easier.
The importance of good sleep cannot be stressed enough. In his book Why We Sleep, Matthew Walker points out that a lack of sleep can leave us feel stressed, irritable, anxious, low in mood, emotional, and feeling less able to cope with life.
Walker also points out that sleep deprivation increases chance of developing psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, and suicidality.
Rest is Essential, Not Optional
It’s easy to view rest as a luxury or an afterthought. However, listening to our body and taking time to do nothing can transform our well-being, helping us find balance and resilience.
Rather than being time wasted, rest is actually a vital part of a healthy, productive life. Resting and doing nothing can be exactly what we need to move forward with clarity and strength.
In today’s unsettled times, we definitely need it.
