Every society has its idols to admire. In the United States, productivity is almost worshipped above all else, with heroes being those who earn the most income, excel in data performance, or can work the longest hours. Although this perspective may seem natural, it has not always been the mainstream value in society throughout history. Different cultures in various eras have appreciated qualities that are not as highly regarded today, such as fertility, loyalty, courage, and strength, just to name a few.
Living in a culture that values productivity has its benefits. It can be said that the significant leap in material wealth and living standards over the past two hundred years is a direct result of this orientation. However, we should celebrate these achievements while also recognizing the distorted impact they have had on the human spirit.
When people primarily view themselves as economic units engaged in productive work, it becomes challenging to see themselves from other perspectives. Yet, human worth extends far beyond how much work one completes. In reality, simply existing and experiencing life itself is worthy of celebration. Many seem to overlook the essence of living, which involves slowing down, resting, lingering, and being mindful of the world around them.
As productivity has been elevated to the current level, it starts shaping people’s behavior. Individuals feel guilty when they slow down – they do not want to rest, and anything deemed “unproductive” feels like a waste of time. This brings about a negative impact, devaluing those who are not highly productive – such as children, the elderly, or the sick. Using the excuse of “getting things done” can often enable negative behaviors, potentially leading to more people feeling anxious, exhausted, or left behind.
We should always remind ourselves that nothing is set in stone. While we cannot change others, we can change ourselves and show others a different possibility. Like anyone I know, I too have the habit of not wanting to rest. I used to believe that rest was something I had to earn and only allowed myself the minimum needed to recharge and continue working. Even then, trying to squeeze in a little more work before bed has shortened my ideal sleep time.
The solution is not to see work as the enemy or to escape into screens, but to truly enjoy rest and leisure because they are legitimate parts of the human experience. In this era dominated by machines and technology, anything that can reshape our humanity is a force of good.
To entice you to enjoy the rest that you deserve simply by being alive, I offer several of my favorite ways to unwind:
1. Take a long leisurely walk: Leave your tech devices behind. This walk is not for exercise or reaching a destination but solely for experiencing the sensory journey along the way. Let your thoughts wander freely.
2. Read a real book: Find a comfortable chair, read until you lose track of time. Choose a book that can transport you to another place rather than one that makes you feel smarter.
3. Sit quietly for a while: Pray or simply let your mind quiet down. Our thoughts are usually racing and rarely focus on a single idea. Let your thoughts gently slow down, linger on one thing, or nothing at all.
4. Exchange massages with a loved one: Being lovingly touched by someone you trust feels great. Simple things like shoulder or hand massages can melt away your stress and bring you back to the present.
5. Soak in a hot bath, take a long shower, or visit a sauna: Dim the lights and let yourself unwind. Many items on this list are about giving yourself time to experience sensations or live slower than usual. Warm water is a luxury to be savored, not just a means to clean the body.
6. Linger in bed a little longer: Instead of feeling the need to rush into the day, take a moment to relax in bed. I dislike jumping out of bed right after waking up. Therefore, I try to give myself a few minutes to lounge, turn around, and read something before getting up. It is a good way to start the day with ease.
7. Share a leisurely meal with loved ones: We often view food as a source of energy or a means to satisfy hunger, but it can be much more profound than that. Sitting around with others, enjoying a meal, is one of the oldest and most spiritually nourishing things you can do.
If you are still struggling with the concept of rest, remember, it is not just about you. By slowing down, you reject the narrow definition of a good life as dependent on what you accomplish and make room for a different set of values to drive your choices. With more rest, we will find more time for each other, as well as time to notice and cultivate the beauty around us.