In today’s hustle culture and constant access to technology, it can be challenging to find the time to unplug and rest fully. That’s why you may wish to consider a commitment to practice quiet reflection and enjoy more downtime in the new year. Sounds easy, right? 

Keep reading to learn why this concept needs to be amplified and why it’s so essential to success. We’ve also thrown in a few ways to help you unplug and tap into your best subconscious ideas.

Why is rest so important to self-care?

A lack of rest and leisure can hinder personal growth and prevent you from making your dreams a reality. Being busy all the time is a significant barrier to becoming your best self. When we don’t take the time to focus on what we want to accomplish, we have no real “intentions” for moving forward. 

From boosting creativity to increasing productivity, downtime and rest are essential for making your personal and professional dreams come true.

Boosts creativity 

When we don’t take time for leisurely rest and quiet downtime, we aren’t allowing our minds to bring our most creative and innovative ideas to the surface. Instead, constantly occupying our brains with what we’re reading, watching, or otherwise consuming hinders our creativity. 

Too much input negatively affects your output. 

Taking quiet moments allows for reflection and also enables you to break through creative barriers. Resting allows the brain to be in a default state; this is where our thinking is most flexible and creative. 

Increases your overall productivity

It may seem counterintuitive, but rest is absolutely essential for increased productivity. Your brain is a muscle, and just like all other muscles, it doesn’t function well when fatigued. When you allow your brain to rest, your brain is sharper and more efficient when you get back to work.

“You’ll not only be more productive but also be more accurate and less likely to make mistakes because you’ll be calm and rested,” said Lori Jo Vest, aka Work Mom. “That internal environment is critical to accomplishing great things, which I know we all want to do.”

Ways to rest

If you struggle to unplug and truly rest, here are a few ways to mindfully incorporate downtime into your daily life.

Let Your Mind Wander

In today’s world of constant access to technology, it can be difficult to disconnect from the continuous flow of information and entertainment that we’re constantly consuming. When you have an uninvolved moment, whether standing in line or waiting for an event or meeting to start, leave your phone in your pocket and let your mind wander. When you’re not filling your brain with other content, your subconscious mind has the space to bring creative thoughts to the surface.

Listen to Binaural Beats

If you want to be more intentional about resting, personal growth specialist Benjamin Hardy suggests setting aside time each week for mindful relaxation. He recommends regular 30-minute sessions spent lying down and listening to binaural beats.

Binaural beats are audio tracks that sound similar to spa background music, and they’re composed specifically to cause your mind to relax. While listening to these meditative soundtracks–available on Spotify and other audio platforms–you may notice new thoughts and ideas emerging. It’s a great idea to keep a pen and paper handy, so you can jot down what’s coming to mind. If you commit to making this type of intentional rest a priority in 2023, you might come up with your best ideas, and you’ll be more likely to make them a reality.

For more tips and tricks for making 2023 your best professional year yet, check out the latest episode of Work Mom Says.