190: 10 Powerful Ways to Rest (It's Not Just Sleep!)

Episode Summary: Justin and Janell discuss 10 powerful and unconventional ways to rest that go beyond just sleep. They share how to intentionally incorporate rest into your daily life to boost creativity, productivity, and overall health. The episode explores how rest isn't just about stillness, but also includes activities that calm the mind and body, recharge your energy, and support your nervous system.

Key Takeaways:

• Rest is essential for productivity, creativity, and physical health—not just sleep.

• Effective rest doesn't always mean total stillness; it can involve activities that relax and rejuvenate you.

• Incorporating rest regularly prevents burnout, improves focus, and helps manage stress.

• Everyone rests differently; understanding your unique needs and preferences is important.

• Challenging societal beliefs about rest being lazy is crucial for lasting wellbeing.

The 10 Powerful Ways to Rest:

1. Reading – Calms the mind, encourages imagination, and reduces stress.

2. Spending Time in Nature – Lowers cortisol, improves mood, and boosts creativity.

3. Being Alone – Allows quiet introspection and recharging without external stimulation.

4. Listening to Music – Elevates mood, calms anxiety, and shifts mental states.

5. Doing Nothing in Particular – Letting your mind wander and rest without pressure or expectations.

6. Walking – Enhances creativity, aids digestion, and balances your nervous system.

7. Taking a Hot Bath – Promotes deep relaxation, detoxification, and better sleep.

8. Daydreaming – Encourages creativity, problem-solving, and mental clarity.

9. Watching TV (Strategically) – Provides mental escape, enjoyment, and relaxation when used intentionally.

10. Mindfulness – Grounds you in the present moment, reducing anxiety and overwhelm.

Janell’s Tips for Effective Rest:

• Combine rest practices, like walking in nature or listening to music while stretching.

• Question your beliefs about rest (e.g., "rest is lazy") to overcome resistance.

• Strategically schedule rest into your daily routine to enhance productivity and reduce stress.

Justin’s Insights on Rest:

• Rest is not lazy; it’s strategic and necessary for long-term productivity and health.

• Successful people often integrate structured rest into their lives to boost creativity and effectiveness.

• Pay attention to how you recharge differently than others and respect those differences.

Quotes:

• "We rest very differently—understanding that has been key." – Janell Yule

• "Rest is about making you more productive, more fit, and more successful. It's not an escape; it's strategic." – Justin Yule

• "How can you structure your day so you don’t need an entire day off to not feel overwhelmed?" – Janell Yule

Action Steps:

• Identify your favorite ways to rest from the list above, and plan how to incorporate them daily or weekly.

• Reflect on your beliefs about rest and reframe them positively.

• Schedule rest proactively—don’t wait until you're exhausted.