It's not OK to take a break, it's necessary

It's not ok to take a break.

That's what you'll believe if you fall for the smoke and mirrors of social media.

When we turn on our smartphones, we're presented with a world that's always moving.

Everyone is always doing something.

If they're not, they'll tell you about what they had just accomplished or a journey soon to begin.

But, hidden in the third space is much-needed rest.

Rest doesn't get the same attention as action because it's seen as inaction, only existing to serve our next move.

Bill Gates' Think Week

Twice a year, Bill Gates takes a 'think week'.

By secluding himself in a cabin somewhere, he spends his time reading and writing.

No friends, family, coworkers or passers-by are allowed to interrupt him.

The time is exclusively for him and his thinking.

Gates swears by this strategy and credits some of his big ideas to have come from the process.

It raises the question: if Bill Gates can take a week away from his busy life, why can't we?

Why can't we put our side projects on hold?

Why can't we put less pressure on ourselves to achieve the next milestone?

Why can't we take a break?

Rest is Necessary

Rest comes in many different forms; it's subjectively chosen but objectively necessary.

When we stop lifting weights, we build muscle in the rest period.

When we fast and give our gut some rest, our cells regenerate.

When we stop thinking about the stresses of life, we become present in the moment.

Rest is not simply a byproduct of tiredness or a stepping stone towards action, rest is for reflection, renewal and rejuvenation.

So, factor rest into your schedule and stop waiting until you 'deserve' it, you always have.

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📌 Quote of the Week

 “Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat. “I don’t much care where …” said Alice. “Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat. — Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

🔗 The Weekly Link-Up

Links to things I’ve enjoyed this week and think you might enjoy too:

  1. I’ve shared some more of my favourite book quotes, notes and summaries on my website, check em out here!

  2. I bought a Leuchtturm notebook and I’m loving it. Perhaps I’m getting old!

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