The Lost Art of True Rest

The Lost Art of True Rest

By Leo Babauta

OK, calling this a “lost art” is a bit of hyperbole(hīˈpərbəlē), because there are some people who actually rest these days. But I don’t believe most people do it anymore.

I could rail(rāl) about the age of distraction (I’ve done that before), and social media and devices. Yada yada, you’ve heard it from me and many others. But whatever the reason is, we rarely(ˈrerlē) rest anymore.

Think about it: when you get a break, what do you normally do? Go on your phone or computer? Check messages or social media or your favorite websites? Watch video online? That’s how most people spend their breaks — myself included. I’m part of this.

What happens when you’re done with work for the day? That’s if you’re ever done — many of us will work practically(ˈpraktək(ə)lē) until we are falling asleep, if we’re allowed to. But if you’re done, do you read and watch and message online? Most people I know do that.

When do we ever truly rest, not only our bodies but our minds?

We need it. We really need it.

The lack of true rest creates a drainedness(drān), where we’re never really fully energized(ˈenərˌjīz), fully present, fully alive. It means that our relationships start to lack energy and connection. It means we sap(sap) the joy out of our lives. That might not be true for you, but you might relate(rəˈlāt) to it somewhat.

I have caught myself taking breaks or finishing for the day, only to get on my phone or laptop for mindless stuff. It feels like the thing I want to do when I have rest time … but it’s not really rest. I don’t feel refreshed(rəˈfreSHt) afterward, only more drained. It feels like I’m going to comfort, but not getting the rest I really need.

So let’s talk about the Lost Art of True Rest, and how to rediscover it.

https://zenhabits.net/resting/