How to Find the Perfect Balance Between Rest and Productivity
Apr 09, 2025
Is your life pretty balanced, in that you feel you have a great balance between resting and being productive? Perhaps you're sleeping well, wake up refreshed, and ready to get stuck into the day? Or, do you sometimes feel like you're either constantly on the go, or completely drained, with no in-between? You're not alone! Many of us struggle to find a healthy balance between taking action, and getting the rest we need (including me). As everyone is aware, we actually need both if we want to live our Best Life. It’s getting the balance right that is the important (and sometimes challenging) aspect.
I know that rest is important, and I want to honour my body, and ensure it gets the rest it needs to recharge and rejuvenate. However, I’m also building a business (and wearing a lot of hats - CEO, tech guru, marketing & sales team, admin hero, etc.), and you’re constantly being pulled in a number of directions – which can lead to long hours. So while I love what I do (and what I have planned - sacred women's circles, and helping people find their life purpose), and I get inspired and can work long hours, I am also aware that I need a bit more balance between work and rest in my life, so I don’t burn out, and have a fuller life outside of work as well. (It doesn't help that most of my friends and family live interstate or overseas, so it's not easy to catch up for a quick hike or dinner.)
So I needed to explore other options – what do other people do? What works for me, keeping in mind that everybody is different, and what works for one person isn’t necessarily the best option for someone else?
The Structured Approach
I’d tried a structured approach – working 9 to 5, doing particular tasks to a timeline, so I’d have time off the rest of the time. I hated it. I hated doing marketing when I wasn’t in a creative mood; I hated doing tech stuff when I wasn’t in the mood; writing was much harder if I wasn’t in the mood. Within a week, I was miserable, and unhappy with what I’d achieved. Ok, this wasn’t working for me.
(I’ve since done a course on Human Design, and looked at money archetypes, etc. Not everyone is built the same – so what works for one person brilliantly might not work at all for other people. So I’ve been exploring and experimenting to see what works best for me.)
The Mini-Structured Approach
After completing a training yesterday, it was suggested that as long as we are doing an hour a day of various important for business tasks (5 broad categories, such as marketing/content, inviting people to attend them, connecting, etc), you had freedom on how to spend the rest of the day. So as long as you cover the 5 bases within a week, you have the freedom to do what you feel inspired to do with the rest of your time. This will hopefully ensure that I don’t feel ‘boxed in’, to rest whenever I want to, to work when I feel inspired (sometimes I don’t want to stop what I’m doing, as I’m loving it, and ‘in the zone’) - yet the essentials are still done every week.
I was curious about how other people determine the line between working and resting. We all need rest – and we all need to take action sometimes. Where can we find the sweet spot of balance – keeping in mind that everybody is unique, and what works for one may not be the best option for others?
Before we have a look at some options that people can explore to find their own balance of rest and activity, let’s first touch on why both rest and taking action are essential if you want to live your Best Life.
Why Rest Matters
Rest isn’t just about sleep (though that’s important too)! Rest allows your body and mind to recharge. We all need rejuvenation time, so we can get some perspective on our life, and reflect on where we are, and where we would like to be.
Without proper rest, we can feel a number of potential side effects.
- Burnout – Feeling emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted.
- Lack of focus – Making more mistakes, and feeling forgetful.
- Weakened immune system – Getting sick more often.
- Mood swings – Feeling easily irritated or overwhelmed.
Rest helps you refresh, so you can regain energy, stay creative, and show up as your Best Self.
Why Action Matters
If we don’t take action, our life trajectory will continue as is – or in a direction that others want you to go. For example, a restructure at work could force you into a role you didn’t want. And if you’re not clear on what you do want, you could end up alone, or in a relationship that doesn’t really serve your best interests.
Taking action keeps life moving forward. Even small, consistent steps help you move forward. Taking action has a number of benefits, including those mentioned above and below.
- Progress – Whether in work, relationships, or personal goals, action creates momentum.
- Confidence – Accomplishing tasks makes you feel good about yourself.
- Opportunities – Doors open when you step out and do things. Doing this outside of your comfort zone is great for expanding your life, and seeing what you are capable of.
- Better health – Physical activity boosts energy, and improves overall well-being.
Without action, we can feel stuck, unmotivated, or even restless. If we don’t take action, our life can be directed by other people – rather than you, consciously choosing your own actions, and the direction of your own Best Life.
As you can see, both rest and action are crucial if you want to live your Best Life - and the balance between them determines how successful you are, and how fulfilled you feel (once you know your direction). You need enough rest to look after your mind, body, and soul – and to ensure you have the energy you need to take sufficient action toward living your Best Life.
Strategies to Balance Rest and Action
In addition to the couple of strategies mentioned above, there are some other strategies you can consider, and experiment with, to see which work best for you. It could even be a combination of some – whatever works well for you. After all, it’s your life, and you get to choose! š
1. Listen to Your Body
Your body gives clues when it’s time to rest or take action. If you’re yawning, struggling to focus, or feeling sluggish, take a break. If you’re feeling restless, energetic, or motivated, it’s time to move!
Benefit – Helps prevent burnout, and keeps your energy levels steady.
2. Use the 80/20 Rule
Spend 80% of your time in action, and 20% in deep rest. This could mean working for 4 hours, then taking a 1-hour break - or moving for 40 minutes, and resting for 10.
Benefit - Keeps you productive, while ensuring you recharge.
3. Try Active Rest
Rest doesn’t always mean lying on the couch (though that’s great too)! Gentle activities like walking, stretching, or journaling can help you relax, while keeping your body engaged. Or perhaps you could read – or just think, and reflect (on your day, upcoming decisions, or things you’d like to do).
Benefit - Provides relaxation without making you feel sluggish.
“It’s a good idea to always do something relaxing prior to making an important decision in your life.”
Paulo Coelho, The Pilgrimage
4. Set Boundaries with Work and Rest
Decide when you will work, and when you will rest — and stick to it! This could mean setting a cut-off time for emails, or dedicating Sundays to self-care, or declining an invitation that feels like too much right now. (If you want more help with setting boundaries in a kind and gentle manner, our blog can help.)
Benefit - Helps you avoid overworking/overextending yourself, and allows you consistent time for true relaxation.
5. Practice Mindful Breaks
Instead of scrolling on your phone, take mindful breaks. Try deep breathing, a short meditation, or simply stepping outside for fresh air. Even a few minutes doing a mini meditation in a quiet space is helpful.
Have you tried Yoga Nidra (a deep relaxation technique and form of meditation)? There are links at the end of this article showing some studies demonstrating benefits from yoga nidra, including stress release, which helps the mind, body, and soul. If you want to explore yoga nidra more, you could either listen on an app (there are quite a few out there), or see if there is yoga nidra class nearby.
Benefit - Leaves you feeling truly refreshed instead of drained.
6. Plan for Both
Make rest and action part of your schedule. Just as you plan meetings or workouts, plan your downtime too. This can help you feel like it’s a ‘legitimate’ activity, as opposed to a ‘guilty pleasure’. š
Benefit - Ensures you don’t neglect either side of the balance.
7. Find Your Personal Rhythm
Some people thrive in short bursts of work with frequent breaks, while others prefer longer work sessions, with deep rest afterward. Experiment and see what works for you.
Benefit - Creates a routine that fits your lifestyle.
“Rest when you’re weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit.”
Ralph Marston
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to choose between being productive, and feeling rested — you can have both! The key is to recognize when you need to pause, and when it’s time to take action. Finding that balance will help you feel happier, healthier, and more in control of your life.
So, the next time you feel guilty about resting, remind yourself — rest is fuel for action. And when you feel stuck in inaction, remember — small steps lead to big changes.
(And if you’re unsure of your next action step, our blog What’s Your Next Step? can help. We are also planning a new course of tools to help you find your own Life Purpose — so stay tuned!)
Here’s to a balanced, energized, and joyful life!
FAQ - Finding Balance Between Rest and Work
- How do I know if I need more rest, or more action?
If you feel exhausted, irritable, or unmotivated, you would likely benefit from more rest. If you feel sluggish, stuck, or restless, taking action can help boost your energy. - What if I don’t have time to rest?
Small breaks count! Even 5–10 minutes of mindful breathing, stretching, or stepping outside, can refresh your mind and body. Or even a mini meditation, or some yoga nidra. - Is resting the same as being lazy?
Not at all! Rest is necessary for productivity, creativity, and overall health. Laziness is avoiding necessary tasks — while rest is refueling so you can be your Best Self. - What are some quick ways to recharge during the day?
Try deep breathing, a short walk, a power nap, drinking water, or simply closing your eyes for a few moments to reset. You might even have a few minutes to write a quick journal entry, which could also help you make sense of something that may have happened. - How do I set boundaries between work and rest?
Schedule rest time just like you schedule work. Turn off notifications (I’ve got most of mine turned off anyway), create a 'no work after X time' rule, and make time for activities that help you unwind. - What if I feel guilty about taking breaks?
Remind yourself that rest improves productivity and well-being. A well-rested mind and body help you get more done in less time.
References/Further Reading
https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/mind/well-being/taking-breaks
https://www.psychologyinaction.org/take-it-easy-reap-the-benefits-of-resting-on-purpose/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6134749/ (yoga nidra)
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41782-022-00202-7?sfmc_id=2244666 (yoga nidra)
https://home.iitd.ac.in/show.php?id=56&in_sections=Research&sfmc_id=2244666 (yoga nidra)
https://seeken.org/important-take-action/
https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifehack/the-key-to-all-success-action.html
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