One of the realizations that hit me like a freight train about a year or so ago?
Rest is not lazy.
It really does sound simple, but somewhere along the way in this fast-paced, always-on, go-go-go world, a lot of us were conditioned to think that any time spent being unproductive is just lazy.
It’s that annoying little sting of guilt when you take a break that keeps us all from getting the rest we need (especially when there’s laundry that needs folding, or emails waiting for replies, or a hundred other things that feel more “productive” than sitting down with your coffee or going to bed early).
We’ve been conditioned to feel like rest is something you have to earn.
That unless your to-do list is empty (as if that’s even possible), you don’t deserve to rest.
But let’s be honest. That mindset? It’s draining. And getting rid of it step one toward building the life you deserve.
Start by reframing it.
Rest is good.
Rest is necessary.
Without it, you’re not just tired, you’re running on fumes. And you can’t pour into your life, your home, your job, or the people you love when your own cup is bone dry.
Think about it like this:
If your phone battery hits 1%, do you criticize it? Or do you plug it in?
You plug it in.
You give it space to recharge so it can actually function.
You deserve that same grace.
You don’t need to justify your rest. You don’t need to earn it.
You just need it. Period!
And that’s part of what Simplified Sunshine is all about.
We’re simplifying the little things. We’re cutting the noise.
We’re making time for the moments that matter (and yes, that includes the ones where you’re doing absolutely nothing).
So, what have I done about it?
My go-to rest-day “hack”
One thing I swear by, and do my best to stick to at least once a month:
I give myself a morning with no responsibilities until 10am.
No events. No chores. No plans. Nothing.
I wake up early. My phone goes on Do Not Disturb. Everything in my life is on pause for just a few hours.
I’ll lay in bed if I want.
I’ll read my book if I want.
I’ll watch a show or stare at the ceiling if I want.
And honestly? Those three little words changed everything for me.
This is my life. And what’s stopping me from doing what I want?
Phenomenal use of free will, if you ask me.
So give it a try. I know we all have unpredictable schedules in this unpredictable world. But don’t forget to carve out that little bitty pocket of time for yourself every now and then.
Don’t feel guilty about calling a babysitter just to do nothing once you drop the kids off.
Take the dog to doggy daycare for the day.
Send the husband golfing.
Put the to-do list on hold for just a couple of hours.
Clear out your happy place, wherever it is, and just slow down.
Do what it takes to just… rest.
You’ll be so glad you did. ☼
Simplified Sunshine 