Burnout and the art of doing nothing: why rest is productive too

Ironically I wrote the title to this, took a nap and now I’m beginning to start… if that isn’t the clearest mark of productivity right now for myself I don’t know what is. Why does doing nothing feel like the ultimate taboo? We live in a world where exhaustion is a brag and productivity feels like a competition. But here’s the truth: burnout isn’t your fault, and rest isn’t just okay—it’s essential.

Burnout isn’t a personal failing - its a systemic issue, the culture behind it. Burnout thrives in environments that glorify being "busy" and treat rest as laziness. We’re told to “push harder,” “hustle,” and “grind,” but no one tells us that we’re humans, not machines. With social media

feeds full of people “living their best (non-stop) lives” it’s hard to remember that this is only a small section of what their lives look like and it is only what they want us to see after all. Demanding jobs and societal standards of success influence us massively with us all chasing comparison, following 20 different workout plans, or maybe climbing a corporate ladder - it’s hard not to feel like you’re not doing enough.

Burnout isn’t just feeling tired - its a state of chronic physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion leading to a lack of ability to perform daily tasks, feeling detached and overwhelmed. It is something I have personally struggled with for many years and still am, growing up within the performing arts industry I was always pushed to be better, do better, to push my body to extreme limits with little breaks. My hobby then became my career, training and performing evenings and nights until 3 am sometimes to do it all again the next day.. and London wasn’t exactly the cheapest to live in, I’d have to work a theatre or teaching job in the morning to sustain somewhat of a stable life… but the truth was there was nothing stable about it.. I was killing my body just to make means end, but then this was the dream no? To be working a job I've trained for my whole life that I really do genuinely love, to live in a city with all my friends and endless opportunities. It consumed me; my body and mind were both waving a huge red flag saying, ‘Enough already!’

I had reached breaking point and I didn’t even know.

Burnout can refer to many physical, emotional or mental struggles such as constant fatigue, headaches, trouble sleeping, and feeling unmotivated, overwhelmed or irritable; to mention a few. Burnout isn’t a personal weakness; it’s often the result of trying to meet impossible standards in a culture that glorifies busyness. And the antidote? Rest. Real, meaningful rest. Rest is often dismissed as something you do when you’ve “finished everything else,” but it’s so much more than that. It’s not just a pause; it’s the fuel that keeps you going. Here’s why:

Physical Benefits of Rest

1. Rest Repairs the Body

When you rest, your body gets to work repairing tissues, regulating hormones, and strengthening your immune system. Without proper rest, you’re more likely to get sick or injured—and no one has time for that.

2. Prevents Chronic Fatigue

Prolonged stress drains your energy reserves. Rest replenishes them, giving you the stamina to tackle life’s challenges without constantly running on empty.

3. Regulates Stress Hormones

Chronic stress floods your body with cortisol, which can lead to inflammation, high blood pressure, and other health issues. Rest allows your body to reset and reduce these harmful effects.

4. Improves Physical Performance

For those of us with active lifestyles, rest is essential for recovery. It’s how your muscles rebuild and your endurance improves. Without it, you’re risking both injury and burnout.

Mental Benefits of Rest

1. Boosts Creativity and Problem-Solving

Ever notice how your best ideas pop up when you’re relaxing in the shower or lying on the beach? That’s because mental rest gives your brain the space to process information and form new connections.

2. Enhances Focus and Productivity

Rest helps you concentrate and work more efficiently. It’s like hitting the refresh button for your brain.

3. Protects Emotional Well-Being

Chronic stress affects your mood, making you more irritable, anxious, or even depressed. Rest creates space for emotional recovery, helping you regain balance and perspective.

4. Strengthens Memory

Downtime helps consolidate memories and aids learning. If you’ve ever struggled to remember something while overtired, you know exactly how important rest is for mental sharpness.

5. Promotes Mindfulness and Self-Connection

Slowing down allows you to reconnect with yourself—your thoughts, feelings, and goals. It’s in these quiet moments that clarity often emerges.

Resting Without Guilt

If rest feels like an indulgence or something to feel guilty about, it’s time to flip the narrative. Rest isn’t selfish; it’s essential. When you take time to recharge, you’re not just helping yourself—you’re also showing up better for the people and projects you care about.

Here are some tips to embrace rest guilt-free:

1. Reframe Rest as Productivity

Rest isn’t “wasted time”—it’s the foundation of true productivity. Think of it as recharging your internal battery so you can shine brighter, not burn out.

2. Start Small

If the idea of doing nothing feels overwhelming, start with short breaks: a 10-minute quiet moment, a slow cup of tea, or an evening walk without your phone. Build from there.

3. Create a Rest Ritual

Make rest intentional by creating a ritual around it. Light a candle, sip tea, or listen to calming music. Whether it’s an hour of screen-free reading or a nap in the afternoon, treat rest as a sacred act.

4. Remind Yourself It’s Okay

When guilt creeps in, use affirmations like:

• “Rest is productive.”

• “I deserve to rest because I am human, not a machine.”

• “Taking care of myself helps me take care of everything else.”

In a society that pushes constant output, choosing to rest can feel like rebellion. But every time you slow down, you’re reclaiming your energy and reminding yourself that your worth isn’t tied to your productivity. You’re worthy simply because you exist.

So, the next time you feel guilty for doing nothing, remember this: Rest isn’t just something you do when you’ve earned it. Rest is the foundation for everything you are and everything you hope to become.