Rest is Resilience
As we wrap up the first month of 2025, I am already feeling a bit exhausted. And based on the conversations I've had with many folks so far this year, I am not alone. The year kicked off with a flurry of activity- work projects, natural disasters, tragedies, challenging weather, a changing political landscape, especially here in the US, new year goals or resolutions, and all the personal things we all navigate.
Oftentimes, when we conjure an image to our minds of resilience in these challenging and busy times we think of John Wayne cowboying his way through with grit and toughness or even ourselves white-knuckling it because we just have to be tough enough to make it through. And this image makes sense; we live in a world that celebrates hustle, grind, and productivity, rest is often seen as the opposite of progress. We reward long hours, idolize busyness, and view rest as indulgent or lazy. But what if rest isn’t the antithesis of work?
What if rest is, in fact, a critical ingredient for resilience and long-term success?
The Link Between Rest and Resilience
Resilience is often defined as the ability to bounce back from adversity. It’s what allows us to recover from challenges, adapt to change, and maintain our well-being in the face of stress; sometimes even extreme stress and trauma. But resilience isn’t just about mental toughness; it’s also about having the capacity to recover—and that capacity depends on rest.
Physiologically, rest helps our bodies repair, restore, and reset. Sleep, for example, plays a vital role in memory consolidation, emotional regulation, and physical healing. Psychologically, rest creates the mental space we need to process emotions, reflect on experiences, and foster creativity.
Without rest, our capacity for resilience diminishes. Chronic stress, burnout, and decision fatigue all stem from a lack of recovery. It’s not just about surviving tough times; it’s about having the energy and clarity to thrive beyond them.
Why Rest Feels Hard
If rest is so important, why do so many of us struggle to prioritize it? For starters, our culture’s fixation on productivity perpetuates the idea that rest is unproductive. Phrases like “I’ll rest when I’m dead” or “Sleep is for the weak” reinforce a false narrative that equates rest with failure.
And many people feel guilty when they rest (including myself). We worry we’re letting others down or falling behind. Technology also comes into play- blurring the boundaries between work and rest. With constant notifications and 24/7 access to email, many of us struggle to unplug, even when we’re physically away from work.
Reframing Rest as a Strength
To build resilience, we need to change the way we think about rest. Here are some strategies for making rest a cornerstone of your resilience toolkit:
See Rest as a Skill, Not a Reward: Rest isn’t something you earn after working hard; it’s a foundational practice that makes sustained effort possible. Treat rest like any other professional skill—something to practice, prioritize, and refine. And if this sounds extra hard- schedule time for rest on your calendar and even consider an accountability buddy to help you make this a habit.
Normalize Rest in Workplace Culture: Leaders play a critical role in modeling healthy behaviors. Encourage your team to take breaks, use their PTO, and log off after hours. Share stories about how rest has improved your own performance or decision-making.
Incorporate Micro-Rests: Rest doesn’t always mean a weeklong vacation or an afternoon nap. Short breaks, mindfulness exercises, and even deep breathing can recharge your energy in small but meaningful ways.
Protect Sleep at All Costs: Sleep is the ultimate form of rest, yet it’s often the first thing we sacrifice during busy periods. Set boundaries around your bedtime, create a calming nighttime routine, and seek help if sleep feels elusive. Here's some more great info about sleep and resilience- Sleep: Practical Tips to Increase Resilience | Psychology Today.
Celebrate Rest as Productivity: Shift the narrative from “rest is lazy” to “rest is strategic.” Recognize that rest boosts creativity, enhances problem-solving, and prevents costly mistakes.
Resilience Requires Recovery
As leaders, professionals, and humans navigating an increasingly complex world, we need resilience more than ever. But resilience isn’t built through sheer willpower alone. It’s built through intentional recovery—through rest.
So, the next time you’re tempted to push through exhaustion or skip that much-needed break, ask yourself this: Am I choosing short-term productivity at the expense of long-term resilience? Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. And when we embrace it, we unlock our full potential—at work and in life.
*Originally published on LinkedIn on January 31, 2025