You’ve had a long, exhausting week, and all you want is to unwind. But the moment you finally sit still, your mind starts racing. No matter how much you want to relax, rest just doesn’t come easy.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many people today struggle to rest, even when they desperately need it. So, why does doing nothing feel so difficult — and sometimes even wrong?
The Pressure to Stay Productive
According to Dr. Sumalatha Vasudeva, psychologist at Gleneagles BGS Hospital, Bengaluru, our sense of self-worth has become tied to productivity.
“This creates what I call productivity anxiety — a sense of guilt or unease when you’re not actively doing something,” she says.
In today’s world, rest is often seen as laziness or failure. People feel like they’re wasting time when they take a break, forgetting that rest is essential for well-being and balance.
Dr. Rahul Chandhok, head consultant of mental health and behavioural science at Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram, adds:
“Society celebrates constant hustle. Success is equated with busyness, so slowing down feels unjustified.”
The problem? When your body stops but your mind doesn’t, stress builds up — leading to burnout, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion.
Why Slowing Down Feels Wrong
We’ve been taught from childhood that being idle equals being unproductive. Social media worsens this guilt by constantly showing others’ achievements. We compare ourselves, assuming we’re falling behind.
But rest isn’t laziness — it’s how we recover and prepare for what’s next. Without it, even small tasks begin to feel overwhelming.
When Stillness Feels Uncomfortable
Sometimes, rest feels harder because it forces us to face what we’ve been avoiding.
“Everyone carries unresolved worries or pain,” explains Dr. Chandhok. “When we stop, the silence lets these thoughts rise to the surface.”
That’s why doing nothing can feel uneasy — your brain finally has the space to process emotions you’ve buried under constant activity.
True rest doesn’t come from escaping your thoughts but from acknowledging them and finding peace within yourself.
Other Reasons You Can’t Switch Off
Dr. Vasudeva highlights several reasons why rest feels impossible:
- Chronic stress: Keeps your nervous system on alert.
- Perfectionism and fear of judgment: You push yourself to perform constantly.
- Over-identification with work: You feel valuable only when productive.
- Social media comparisons: You feel guilty for not doing enough.
Together, these factors create a “rest trap” — where you crave rest but feel guilty for taking it.
The Digital Rest Trap
Modern rest has turned into digital distraction — binge-watching shows, scrolling Instagram, or YouTube rabbit holes.
“That’s not real rest,” says Dr. Chandhok. “It’s entertainment disguised as relaxation. Your brain keeps working, so you still feel drained.”
Dr. Vasudeva adds,
“True rest is about disconnection — from screens, noise, and constant input. It’s giving your mind a real break.”
Digital breaks may feel soothing short-term but rarely restore deep energy or calm.
How to Learn to Rest Again
Rest is a skill — one that most of us have forgotten but can relearn.
Here’s how experts suggest you start:
- Redefine rest: It’s not wasted time; it’s recharging time.
- Unplug: Disconnect from your phone and laptop for a few hours daily.
- Pause consciously: Take short breaks to breathe, stretch, or reflect.
- Go offline for peace: Walk outdoors, spend time with loved ones, or meditate.
- Set clear boundaries: Especially avoid screens before bed.
- Practice mindfulness: Journaling, yoga, or deep breathing helps calm your nervous system.
“True rest doesn’t slow you down,” says Dr. Chandhok. “It helps you sustain clarity, creativity, and energy in a world that never stops moving.”
In Conclusion
Rest is not a reward — it’s a necessity. You don’t have to earn it. When you give yourself permission to pause, you’re not being lazy — you’re choosing balance.
Because sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is simply rest.
Leslie Rajan