National Relaxation Day
Why rest is the ultimate productivity tool
August 15th marks National Relaxation Day, a timely reminder that rest isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. In our increasingly hectic lives, taking time to relax can feel counter-intuitive. But the truth is, rest helps us perform better, think more clearly and stay mentally and physically well.
Whether it’s five minutes of deep breathing or a long weekend away, relaxation improves focus, reduces stress and supports emotional resilience.
The power of proper rest
Relaxation isn’t just about doing nothing – it’s about intentionally creating space for recovery. That might mean mindfulness, light movement, unplugging from screens, or enjoying time in nature.
One of the biggest barriers to meaningful relaxation is the feeling that we haven’t earned it. In a culture that often equates busyness with value, choosing to pause can feel uncomfortable – or even self-indulgent.
That said, rest isn’t something we have to justify, it’s part of being human. Letting go of the guilt allows us to experience the full benefits of slowing down, without the mental tug-of-war. The more we normalise taking breaks, the easier it becomes to prioritise them, both for ourselves and the people around us.
Rest as a form of resilience
Choosing to rest isn’t a sign of slowness or lack of ambition – it’s an investment in long-term sustainability. When we allow ourselves to step back, even briefly, we give our nervous system a chance to reset and recover. This not only improves how we feel in the moment but also builds our capacity to handle future stress. Over time, regular rest strengthens emotional balance, enhances our ability to respond to challenges, and helps prevent burnout. Rather than pushing through exhaustion, embracing rest can lead to deeper focus, better decision-making and more consistent energy throughout the day.
Ways to relax during the workday
- Take 5-minute stretch or breathing breaks between meetings
- Use your lunch break to walk or sit outdoors
- Step away from screens for 10–15 minutes
- Listen to music or a calming podcast while working on admin tasks
Even brief pauses in your day can help reset your nervous system.
Rest well to work well
On National Relaxation Day – and every day – it’s worth remembering that doing less can sometimes help us achieve more. When we treat rest as a core part of productivity rather than something to squeeze in after the work is done, we create space for clarity, creativity and genuine wellbeing.
Whether you’re leading a team or navigating your own work-life balance, valuing rest isn’t just good for morale – it’s essential for sustainable success.