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REST IS A RIGHT, NOT A REWARD

Life’s busyness often overshadows the necessity of rest, which is vital for maintaining productivity and well-being. Embracing rest as an essential habit helps recharge mental, emotional, and physical health. Prioritizing rest enhances focus, prevents burnout, and fosters a healthier life balance, leading to a more fulfilling and peaceful year ahead.

The Busyness of Life: A Common Struggle

It is easy to become caught in the busyness and whirlwind of life.

Starting a business, getting married, going to college—all of these require a considerable portion of our everyday lives.

It can sometimes feel overwhelming as if there is always something to do or something on our minds.

Yet, amid the rush, one critical component often gets overlooked—rest.

The Importance of Rest

It is important, even in the vision-casting stage of your life, to ensure you develop habits of rest.

How can you give when you are running on empty?

You cannot give that which you do not possess.

What does it matter if you can accomplish all your goals without being able to enjoy the moment?

Rest is not a luxury; it is essential.

Prioritize Rest—Starting Now

It is time to shift your mindset about rest. The habits you form today will flow into the coming year, setting the tone for everything else in your life.

You deserve to rest.

Yes, you may have a lot of things on your to-do list, but you never want to reach the point where it becomes more of a burden than a delight.

You are not doing all of what you are doing to rest—you can only do what you do because you chose to rest.

Rest in the Bible: The Call for Peace

In Psalm 23, I love how it mentions “still waters.”

Still waters is a place of calmness, rest, and peace. Jesus desires for your life to be filled with calm, rest, and peace as He leads you.

Times will get tough, of course, but be like Jesus, where the storms around you are not strong enough to rob you of rest.

In moments of chaos, you can rest peacefully no matter what is happening around you.

This is the power of choosing peace and rest in every season.

A Personal Shift Toward Rest

In my undergraduate days, I was always like the Energizer Bunny—going and going, walking fast everywhere because I had “something to do.”

One day, a friend stopped me and told me to slow down. Honestly, those words were just what I needed to hear.

I realized I did not need to be in a rush all the time.

This shift in perspective was not just about slowing down physically—it was about embracing rest mentally and emotionally.

I started walking slower during my commute. Because of this, I was able to bask in the beauty of nature, engage in meaningful conversations along the way, reflect, and allow my mind to flow without the thought of “what’s happening next.”

I was able to breathe again—and it made a world of difference.

How to Prioritize Rest in the New Year

As we enter the new year, making rest a priority is essential. Prioritizing rest is a conscious decision, and here are some practical ways you can incorporate it into your daily life:

1. Recognize Rest as Essential for Well-Being

Rest is not a luxury; it is necessary for physical, emotional, and mental health. When we treat rest as a fundamental need rather than an afterthought or reward for productivity, we empower ourselves to perform better and more sustainably.

  • Rest is essential for recharging and staying aligned with long-term goals.
  • It helps maintain balance and prevents burnout.
  • Investing in rest allows you to give each goal the energy and focus needed to achieve it.

By acknowledging rest as crucial, we begin to respect our limits and enhance our capacity to thrive in all we do.

2. Build Rest into Your Daily Routine

Treat rest as a non-negotiable part of your schedule, not something you only do when everything else is done. Create boundaries around your time for work, relationships, and personal time. Block off time for rest, whether through sleep, relaxation, or simply doing something enjoyable.

  • Set aside time each day to rest and recharge.
  • Prioritize sleep and ensure you are getting enough.
  • Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

At work, I always ask people, “What is one thing you did this week that brought you joy?” Why? Because I want them to understand the value of taking time for themselves. You cannot pour from an empty cup.

3. Shift Your Perspective on Productivity

Understanding that rest is an investment in your future productivity will change how you view it. Rest is not a detour from your goals—it enhances your ability to meet challenges with energy and focus.

  • Rest fuels your energy and enhances focus.
  • It allows you to return to your tasks with a clear mind and renewed energy.
  • You are not sacrificing progress by resting—you are enhancing your ability to meet challenges.

As you enter the new year, commit to making rest a priority.

Remember, rest is a right, not a reward.

You deserve it, and the year ahead can be more peaceful, productive, and fulfilling when you make time for it.

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