Resting - is such a simple thing to do. We do work - then we rest, until it’s time to do work again. Well today - we have so many tech tools that aim to make our lives better, simpler and free up a lot of time. However - perhaps Purpose of Technology is not to do that. Perhaps it’s meant, so that we could do even more “useful” stuff and forget about rest even further. Otherwise - why do we have such term “burnout” today?

Fear of downtime

Well - in many cultures not working is considered downtime, un-productive waste of time. So - we try to avoid as much as possible to get back to speed again. Running - without understanding direction. However - proper rest could get us back to speed and even more. Being able to stop to reflect - could dramatically change course of our life for good, just the question - how to do it right?

Playing computer games

That could be an option, perhaps but it depends. Playing intense games, that requires us to be constantly engages into the process might even more draining than the rest of the day, especially if we get irritated along the way. On the other hand - games like Jusant might be quite relaxing, but this is not type of a game that first comes into our mind when we talk about computer / console games, right?

TV series

TV series could be a good option to relax and disconnect from “reality”. It could even provide pleasure to watch TV series esthetically, like The Queen’s Gambit. Nevertheless - even though we enjoy sometimes watching TV series - do we actually feel rested?

Sleep

It’s obvious, right? Can’t find enough recharge in anything else unless You get a good amount of sleep. Don’t try to find “minimal” amount of sleep, only You truly know how much sleep You need. There are as crazy theories as 4 hours would be enough. Well - lucky are those for whom that’s really the case. What’s better - longer day awake with less quality or shorter awake time with fresher brain?

Interesting video from the author of a book Why We Sleep that describes main drawbacks of sleeping less than optimal: What Happens To Your Body And Brain If You Don’t Get Sleep

Being here and now

If we don’t talk about sleep here - doing activity that requires us to be “here and now” could be one of the most recharging activities. Instead of our daily routine, when brain has to consume a lot of information - it focuses on one single task. It can be painting, sewing, wood working, you name it. No computer screens of course - way to easy to get distracted, don’t overestimate yourself!

Physical activity

Well - this could be related more to the topic “how to be happy”. As You do some sports - brain produces dopamine. Having brain produced dopamine - we feel happier, don’t even need anti-depressants. As simple as that. How sport activities help resting - as body gets tired it’s easier to fall asleep.

Writing

Offloading our busy day full of thoughts on paper works in an interesting way. Those thoughts and concerns that not even always possible to put into words directly - take shape and almost materialize when we write them down. By writing down our thoughts, without re-thinking too much we actually understand what’s going on in our heads.