Every so often I take a day or two to engage in extreme rest. I have created a structured life for myself, so it is never convenient, never easy to drop everything in favor of rest. But I’ve found that stillness staves off burnout. Letting my thoughts fall away energizes me. And successive naps in the span of a few days reengage my creativity, helping me to maintain levity and optimism.
So what does extreme rest involve? It is boring! My quiet interludes are lazy. I can hardly read a page without dozing off. I find it difficult to get lost in a series on Netflix. I putter, I take walks, I do a little yoga. I may try a new recipe, but I am more likely to live on avocado toast and eggs. I always sip tea. I always put the phone away. I never push myself. I am unambitious.
Life has its glamorous moments—trips abroad, professional achievements, family milestones—and those events should be celebrated. I propose that we also honor downtime. Occasional spans of extreme rest are necessary parts of my self-care. Taking care of oneself goes beyond massages, manicures, and a night out with the girls. For me, self-care is a harmonious blend of the sense of purpose I find in work and family, carefree escapes from my responsibilities, and the diligent, daily work that involves rest, nourishment, and exercise. Extreme rest is incompatible with Instagram and against the ethos of Twitter. Yet, for me, it is a delicious, indulgent, and necessary element of life.
Inspirations
I travel a little for work and a lot for pleasure. I set out on my own, my journeys bringing me to rainy Edinburgh streets, to the salty French seaside, and to my childhood home in Iowa. Each trip enriches me. I fill my soul with modern art, befriend fellow train passengers, and soak in the places that become part of me.