Before You Call Yourself Lazy—Read This
Why Rest Is Not Laziness
I’ve been thinking about something that might help you breathe a little easier today.
Recently, I was talking with a friend about the holidays. She sighed and said, “I was lazy—I didn’t do much at all.” Then she paused and admitted that while she felt better physically, she also felt guilty for not doing more.
So I asked her one simple question:
“Do you feel rested and ready to take on this new month and year?”
Her answer was immediate.
Yes.
She felt refreshed.
Clear.
Ready to go.
That’s the reminder so many of us need to hear: rest is not laziness.
Rest vs. Laziness (They Are Not the Same)
Our culture has quietly taught us to believe that rest equals laziness. But the truth is—they are completely different.
Rest is a necessary period of recovery and renewal. It restores physical energy, sharpens mental focus, and supports emotional well-being. Rest is intentional. It’s life-giving. And increasingly, research and cultures around the world are recognizing rest as essential for productivity, creativity, and overall health.
Laziness, on the other hand, is often defined as a lack of motivation or unwillingness to engage. It carries negative connotations and is frequently tied to shame, especially in hustle-driven environments that glorify constant busyness.
One leads to renewal.
The other is a label we often place on ourselves when we don’t need to.
What the Research Shows
Rest isn’t just nice—it’s necessary.
Studies consistently show that adequate rest leads to:
Improved focus, memory, and decision-making
Better emotional regulation
Lower stress and anxiety levels
On the flip side, chronic exhaustion is strongly linked to burnout, decreased efficiency, and emotional fatigue.
In other words: rest fuels your ability to show up well—for your work, your relationships, and yourself.
Rest Is an Intentional Practice
Rest doesn’t usually happen by accident.
It’s a choice.
Rest can look like sleep, stillness, stretching, prayer, breathing, or simply unplugging for a few quiet minutes. The key isn’t doing it “perfectly”—it’s finding what truly helps you feel restored.
When we normalize rest as a healthy and necessary part of life, we give ourselves permission to care for our whole selves—without guilt.
Let’s make rest a priority in 2026.
Try This This Week
Make one small shift.
When your body or mind asks for rest, listen.
Even if all you can spare is five quiet minutes of stillness and breathing, take them.
Do it without guilt.
It’s not lazy.
It’s holy.
Quick Tips for Rest That Actually Helps
Create a Rest Playlist
Choose music that slows your breathing, helps you unclench your jaw, and lets your shoulders drop. Keep it ready for moments when you need a reset.
Use a “Rest Menu”
Just like ordering at a restaurant, create a simple list of rest options so you can choose what you need in the moment—mental rest, physical rest, emotional rest, or spiritual rest.
I’ve created a Rest Menu to help you get started and take the guesswork out of resting well.
Things I’m Loving
Tired of Being Tired by Jess Connolly
A thoughtful, practical look at the different types of exhaustion and how to find real, meaningful rest. Highly recommend.
These help clear mental fog and replenish minerals—especially after sweating (hello, perimenopause). I love both the powders and the sparkling options. And in the winter? Half a packet of the chocolate flavor makes a cozy, guilt-free hot chocolate.
Quote of the Month
“There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.”
— Alan Cohen
Freebies This Month
February Activity Ideas — fresh ways to engage and excite
No Excuses Challenge (Free, 5 Days) — If New Year’s motivation is fading, this challenge helps you quiet the excuses and build momentum one small step at a time.
