Rest without guilt

Heyhey,

[ I have a fun quiz for you today > Read until the end to find out 🧐 ]

Ever find yourself caught up in that never-ending grind, feeling guilty every time you pause for even a moment? I used to be that person—constantly on the go, working late, and feeling like every break was a step backward. But that hustle mentality didn’t just leave me exhausted; it left me drained, uninspired, and questioning why I was always running on empty.

One day, I hit a wall. I knew I couldn’t keep pushing without consequences, so I started diving into the science of rest. And guess what? Rest isn’t just for the lazy—it's actually a secret weapon for success. I found out that taking breaks isn't a sign of weakness; it’s a strategic move that helps you come back stronger, more creative, and way more focused.

Why it matters:

We live in a world that glorifies busyness, but constantly hustling without rest can lead to BURNOUT, decreased productivity, and even long-term health issues. According to research from the National Institute of Health, chronic stress from overworking can increase cortisol levels, leading to anxiety, impaired memory, and a weakened immune system. Meanwhile, studies from Stanford University have shown that productivity sharply declines after 50 hours of work per week. In other words, working more doesn’t mean achieving more—it often means achieving less.

How I learned to embrace rest:

Instead of pushing myself to the brink, I began to see rest as part of the work itself. I started incorporating small, intentional breaks into my day—stretching, quick walks, even just sitting quietly without my phone. Slowly, my mindset shifted. I became more energized, my ideas flowed easier, and tasks that once felt overwhelming became manageable. Rest wasn’t slowing me down; it was giving me the power to perform better.

Here’s what you can try:

1. The 90-Minute Work Cycle: According to the ultradian rhythm theory, our bodies work best in cycles of 90 minutes of focused work followed by a short break. Use these breaks to recharge—step outside, meditate, or just breathe.

2. Schedule Downtime: Treat rest like an important meeting. Block it on your calendar, and don’t cancel on yourself. This simple act reinforces that your well-being is just as important as your work.

3. Embrace Mindful Rest: Not all rest is equal. Avoid screen time during your breaks and opt for activities that truly relax your mind, like reading, drawing, or simply staring out of the window. Let your brain wander—it’s where creativity lives!

Today I dare you to schedule a 15-minute break where you do absolutely nothing work-related.

No phone, no multitasking—just you, your thoughts, and some deep breaths.

~the change starts with little steps, always remember that~

-This is Lila 🤫 

Ever feel like you’re running on empty but can’t quite put your finger on what you need? Let’s figure it out! Take this quick quiz to discover what kind of rest you need today.

Question 1: How are you feeling right now?

A) Mentally foggy and can’t focus
B) Physically exhausted, like I’ve run a marathon
C) Emotionally drained, even small things set me off
D) Just overall unmotivated and bored

Question 2: What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

A) Grab my phone and scroll through social media
B) Hit snooze multiple times
C) Lie there, feeling overwhelmed by the day ahead
D) Struggle to find a reason to get up

Question 3: How do you feel after a long workday?

A) My brain feels fried, and I can’t think straight
B) My body aches, and I feel like collapsing
C) I feel emotionally drained from dealing with people
D) I feel numb, like I’m just going through the motions

Let me know the answers and I’ll tell you what kind of rest you need today :)