“Rest is a form of rebellion in a culture that wants us to exhaust ourselves.” — Tricia Hersey
In a world where being busy is celebrated as a badge of honor, finding time to rest has become increasingly challenging. When there’s no time for rest, life becomes stressful, and today, everyone is aware of the damaging effects of stress.
We live in a world where many common diseases are stress-induced. In a way, we’re self-sabotaging. While stress takes a toll, rest has the power to restore us.
One survey, The Rest Test, gathered responses from 18,000 people across 135 countries. It asked participants which activities bring them the most restfulness. Here are the top 10 restful activities:
- Meditation and Mindfulness:
Meditation is often thought of as something reserved for monks or people in distant mountains, yet it’s a simple practice that anyone can do anywhere. It’s about finding a quiet place, sitting down, and focusing on the breath. Mindfulness, in turn, is a way of living fully. When was the last time you stopped to smell the roses, felt the rain, or watched the sun set? These mindful moments enrich our lives.
- Watching TV:
Imagine coming home after a stressful day, sinking into the couch, turning on the TV, and enjoying your favorite comfort show. It’s no surprise that watching TV is among the top restful activities.
- Daydreaming:
When was the last time you allowed yourself to daydream? For many, it was back in childhood when imagination ran wild. Today, with constant notifications, daydreaming has become rare. This is your sign to sit, relax, and let your mind wander for at least 10 minutes a day. Notice what comes up—positive, negative, or neutral thoughts—and resist the urge to reach for your phone.
- Taking a Bath or Shower:
After a tough day, there’s something immensely soothing about a warm bath. When my friend once told me, “Just go home and take a relaxing bath,” I felt 50% better just hearing the suggestion. It’s no wonder that bathing ranks high in restful activities, a scene often portrayed in movies where the main character winds down in a bubble bath with a glass of wine and a scented candle.
- A Good Walk:
Did you know the ending of Inside Out was conceived by its writer on a walk? Regular, device-free walks can inspire creativity and calm. In Japan, the practice of “Shinrin-yoku” (forest bathing) is valued for its relaxing effects. Walking boosts serotonin, our happy hormone, so the next time you need rest, consider walking in nature.
- Doing Nothing in Particular (Niksen):
In Dutch, “Niksen” means the art of doing nothing. It involves idly letting go of tasks and simply existing in the moment. Unlike mindfulness, which involves focused awareness, Niksen is about letting your mind drift. In a fast-paced world, doing nothing may seem unproductive, yet it can foster creativity.
- Listening to Slow, Relaxing Music:
In the Rest Test, listening to music was the fourth most restful activity. But not all music is restful. The best choices are slow songs with gentle rhythms. YouTube playlists like “slow morning” or “evening relaxation” music can create a soothing atmosphere.
- Spending Time in Solitude:
Solitude is essential for well-being, offering a chance to be ourselves without judgment. Choosing solitude is key, as it brings peace, unlike forced loneliness. The next time you’re alone, embrace it as a chance for renewal.
- Spending Time in Nature:
Just seeing green or blue hues can reduce stress. Time in nature—trees swaying, birds singing, fresh air, blue skies—is therapeutic. Nature’s stillness contrasts with our fast-paced lives. When stressed, immerse yourself in the calm of the natural world.
- Reading:
This is my favorite activity. Books bring me peace in a way that scrolling on a screen never could. Unlike blue light from screens, reading a physical book before bed promotes relaxation and is a perfect way to wind down.
Read about the benefits of reading here
In a world that glorifies busyness, finding ways to rest is essential for our well-being. Each of these activities—whether it’s immersing ourselves in nature, letting our minds wander, or simply doing nothing—reminds us that rest is not a luxury but a necessity. By reclaiming rest, we’re not only restoring our minds and bodies but also resisting a culture that equates worth with productivity. Embracing rest allows us to reconnect with ourselves, nurturing creativity, inner peace, and resilience. In choosing rest, we choose a more balanced, fulfilling life.
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