Rest Is Productive, Too: Reframing Rest in a Culture That Never Stops

By Tracey Ropp & Erin House

Have you ever felt guilty for taking a break? Whether you're a student seeing classmates juggle summer classes and side hustles, or a parent filling the family calendar with activities during school breaks, the pressure to keep going can feel relentless. We see this often in our work with clients; many feel as though if they're not constantly doing, they're somehow falling short. 

We live in a society that rewards busyness. But what if rest wasn’t something to squeeze in when everything else is done—what if it was essential? 

Why We Struggle to Rest 

In a culture that celebrates hustle and constant productivity, rest can feel counterintuitive. We’re surrounded by subtle (and not-so-subtle) messages that we should be doing more: advancing our careers, learning new skills, staying active, being available. It's no wonder that so many of us feel anxious or guilty when we pause. 

For many of our clients, this guilt turns inward. They compare themselves to peers or to an idealized version of who they “should” be. If they take time to rest, they worry it’s selfish, or even “lazy”. And ironically, this pressure can lead to burnout, low motivation, and even shame. The harder we push without pause, the more stuck we can feel. 

Rest as a Path to Growth 

Here’s what we believe as counsellors: Rest isn’t the opposite of productivity—it’s what makes productivity sustainable. 

When we allow ourselves to rest, our brains and bodies have a chance to reset. We often return to our work or responsibilities with greater focus, improved mood, and fresh perspective. Some of the clients we’ve worked with have been surprised by how much more patient or creative they felt after even short periods of intentional rest. 

Rest also supports emotional regulation, stress resilience, and our overall sense of balance. In other words, it’s not an indulgence, it’s maintenance for your wellbeing. 

Practical Ways to Rest Without Guilt 

Find your kind of rest 

Not all rest looks the same. Maybe you need quiet solitude, or perhaps a walk with a close friend is more rejuvenating. Consider what type of rest is most restorative for you, whether that’s emotional, social, spiritual, or physical. 

Choose the right timing 

Would short daily pauses work better for you, or a larger chunk of downtime each week? Or maybe it’s time to plan a full weekend, week, or even a month, focused on slowing down. Rest doesn’t need to follow a specific format to be valuable. 

Track and reflect 

Try journalling or simply noting how you feel after different kinds of rest. When you start to notice the benefits, such as more energy, or clearer thinking, it becomes easier to give yourself permission to rest in the future. 

Be intentional and present 

Setting an intention to rest can help reduce guilt. Rather than collapsing into rest when you’re depleted, see if you can choose it proactively. Being mindful and present can help it feel purposeful instead of passive. 

You Deserve to Rest—Even If It Feels Unfamiliar 

If giving yourself permission to rest feels new or uncomfortable, you’re not alone. We’ve worked with many clients to help shift their relationship with rest, from something they had to earn, to something that supports their overall wellbeing.  

Start small. Start with something. This isn’t about changing your personality or becoming less driven, it’s about making sure you can sustain the energy and clarity you need for the things that matter. 

Ready to Explore What Rest Could Look Like for You? 

In our private practices, we support clients in finding the balance that’s right for them, without guilt or shame. Together, we can explore meaningful ways to rest, reframe limiting beliefs, and reconnect with what matters most. 

[Contact us to learn more about working together →] 

The ideas shared in this post are for general reflection and informational purposes. Everyone’s needs are different, and this content isn’t meant to replace personalized or professional support. If you’d benefit from one-on-one guidance, consider reaching out to us, or another qualified professional. In our independent private practices we offer counselling and psychotherapy virtually to individuals living in Ontario, Canada.