As summer fades into September, I tend to notice a shift in my sessions. It’s as if there is a renewed focus on ‘getting back to work’ and ‘getting back to school’ — being productive is #1 and self-care takes a backseat.
September amplifies the impact of living in a capitalist society: the push to work harder, achieve more, and hustle for our worth. This pressure stems from a deeply ingrained capitalist mindset that values constant output and devalues rest. But what if this belief is holding us back from the well-being we truly need?
The Capitalist Myth: More Work = More Value
We are taught that time is money. The more you work, the more productive you are, the more valuable you become. This system thrives on the notion that rest is unnecessary, frivolous, or even lazy.
We thrive on ‘busy talk’ applauding others when they tell us everything they have on the go and how they just can’t say no to more projects, presentations, or meetings. We internalize these beliefs, often without realizing it, leading us to feel guilty when we take a break.
Here’s the problem: Humans aren’t machines. We are not designed for non-stop productivity. Rest, relaxation, and self-care are essential components of our well-being. They recharge our minds and bodies, allowing us to be more creative, present, and engaged in our lives. The belief that rest is unproductive is not only untrue, it’s also harmful.
Redefining Productivity: Rest as an Essential Tool
What if we shifted our perspective on what it means to be productive? Instead of only valuing tangible outputs—like work, money, or accomplishments—we could start seeing our well-being as equally important. Rest is not the absence of productivity; it’s a different kind of productivity that nourishes us on a deeper level.
Imagine this: When you rest, your body heals, your mind processes, and your emotions stabilize. That’s incredibly productive. Self-care allows you to show up as your best self, not just for others but also for yourself. It helps you reconnect with yourself beneath the layers of expectation and societal pressure.
Feel like you don’t know how to rest?
Here’s a list of 10 intentional ways to rest:
Practical Ways to Embrace Rest
Feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to truly rest? Here are 10 intentional ways to reclaim rest in your life:
Take a Walk: Without any specific goal or timeline, a slow walk can help you be present and unwind.
Unplug: Dedicate time each day to disconnect from phones, social media, and email. This digital detox allows your mind a much-needed break.
Read for Pleasure: Pick a book or magazine purely for enjoyment, with no agenda to learn or achieve.
Nap: A short 20-minute nap can rejuvenate your energy and improve cognitive function.
Gentle Movement: Engage in light stretching, yoga, or slow movements to release physical and mental tension.
Take a Bath: Soak in warm water infused with essential oils or bath salts for a soothing experience.
Watch a Show or Movie: Intentionally set aside time to watch something you enjoy, making it an act of relaxation rather than passive entertainment.
Do Nothing: Simply allow yourself to sit or lie down with no agenda—just be.
Share a Meal: Enjoy a device-free meal with someone you care about, focusing on conversation and connection.
Call a Friend: Catch up with an old friend and enjoy the simple joy of connection.
Each of these activities encourages you to step out of the constant cycle of productivity and recharge your mind and body.
Self-Care is a Rebellion Against Hustle Culture
The belief that self-care is a waste of time is not your own—it’s a product of a system that prioritizes constant output over human well-being. But you are more than your productivity. By reframing rest as essential and valuable, you can start to reclaim your right to self-care without guilt.
Remember, rest is revolutionary. It’s a radical act of self-preservation in a world that tells you to keep going. When you take care of yourself, you are saying that you matter, that your well-being matters, and that you are worthy of rest.
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