Why Rest Is the New Rebellion
In a world obsessed with hustle, doing nothing might be the most radical thing you can do
I used to feel a strange kind of guilt whenever I wasn’t being productive. Whether it was a Sunday afternoon or late at night, this little voice in my head always whispered, “You should be doing something.” It’s as if rest was an indulgence I hadn’t entirely earned yet. And I know I’m not the only one. In a world that glorifies hustle and measures success by how busy we are, taking time to rest has become a quiet act of rebellion.
As someone who juggles a demanding job, a passion project, and motherhood, it feels like there’s always something on my to-do list. After my son was born, the pressure to keep up with life only intensified. The post-pregnancy phase was tricky — I was adjusting to a whole new reality, emotionally and physically, while still feeling the need to keep everything together. At a time when rest was crucial for my recovery and well-being, I found myself pushing harder, trying to “bounce back” faster.
But at some point, I hit a wall. It was that classic burnout moment where your body and mind screamed for a break, but you’re still trying to push through. For the first time, I realized that rest wasn’t a luxury but a necessity. And more than that, in a world obsessed with productivity, it was a radical act.
Why we glorify the grind
We live in a culture that celebrates the grind. Social media is full of motivational quotes that tell us to “rise and grind” or “hustle harder.” We’re constantly bombarded with the idea that the more we do, the more valuable we are. Productivity has become the measure of success, and rest feels like a waste of time.
I remember scrolling through Instagram late one night, seeing posts of people sharing their 5 a.m. workout routines, perfectly organized schedules, and endless lists of accomplishments. It made me feel like I wasn’t doing enough, even though I was already stretched thin. This glorification of busyness makes rest feel almost wrong, as if we’re slacking if we’re not always moving forward.
But here’s the thing: hustle culture is a trap. It promises fulfillment, but what it often delivers is burnout.
The moment I realized rest was essential
It wasn’t until I hit that wall of exhaustion that I started to rethink my relationship with rest. I remember one particularly chaotic day when everything just felt like too much. I was running on autopilot — work calls, emails, and taking care of my son — and I finally sat down for five minutes. In those few minutes of stillness, I felt a rush of clarity. My body and mind needed a break, not more tasks.
That moment was a turning point. I began to see rest not as a reward for hard work but as a necessity for living well. It’s not a sign of weakness or laziness; it’s an act of self-preservation. In a culture that constantly tells us to push harder, taking time to rest is one of the most radical things we can do.
The science of rest: It’s not just for recovery
The science backs it up, too. Studies have shown that our brains need downtime to function at their best. When we’re constantly pushing ourselves, we lose the ability to think creatively, solve problems effectively, and even regulate our emotions. Rest isn’t just about recharging physically — it’s essential for mental clarity and emotional well-being.
Taking breaks allows our brains to process information more deeply, leading to those “aha” moments when we’re least expecting them. This is why so many people find that their best ideas come when they’re not actively working—like during a shower, a walk, or even while daydreaming.
Learning to embrace rest as part of my routine
Since embracing rest, I’ve noticed a significant change in how I approach everything. I’m more creative, focused, and less reactive to the daily stresses of life. I no longer feel the need to justify sitting down with a cup of coffee and doing absolutely nothing for a while. Rest has become a part of my routine, not something I squeeze in when I’m running on fumes.
But let me be honest — this shift didn’t happen overnight. There are still moments when that guilt creeps in when I feel like I should be “doing more.” But now, I remind myself that rest isn’t the enemy of productivity. It’s the fuel for it.
Rest as resistance
Choosing rest in today’s world is an act of resistance. It’s pushing back against the relentless pace of life and reclaiming our right to slow down. We’ve been conditioned to believe that our value is tied to our productivity, but the truth is we’re not machines. We need rest to function, to thrive, and to live fully.
So the next time you feel guilty for not doing more, remember that rest isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. And in a world that tells you to hustle harder, choosing to rest might be the most rebellious thing you can do.
Do you find yourself feeling guilty for resting? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s start a conversation about the importance of rest and self-care.
