Not too long ago, I found myself caught up in the whirlwind of hustle culture. I was trapped in the relentless cycle of needing to do more, be more, and achieve more, convinced that if I didn’t push myself every second, I’d fall behind. If you didn’t catch my episode (and post) on how my MLM Wake-Up Call That Inspired My Slow Living Lifestyle, then be sure to check it out.
Long story short, feeling the weight of neverending tasks, a to-do list, and being so entrenched in hustle culture, I felt like I couldn’t afford to stop for even a moment. But in the middle of it all, a realisation hit: I was exhausted.
I was mentally, emotionally, and physically drained, but instead of listening to my body’s need for rest, I kept pushing forward and I had been for years. I thought (because I was brainwashed into believing so) that slowing down would mean failure, and that I needed to keep hustling if I wanted to stay on top and find success. But the guilt of not doing “enough” weighed heavier on me than any task could. What I really needed was rest, but I resisted it because, in this fast-paced world and the cultish culture of Multilevel marketing, it felt like a luxury I couldn’t afford.
Choosing rest, however, is an act of rebellion in a society that ties our worth to our productivity. In a culture that urges us to constantly grind, deciding to slow down is a powerful reminder that we are enough just as we are. Rest isn’t about being lazy (and another modern world-ism), it’s about respecting our own limits and saying “no” to the idea that our value is determined by how much we do. Rest is one of the most courageous things we can do in a world that’s always asking us to do more.
The Pressure to Keep Hustling
Everywhere we turn, the message is loud and clear: Do more. Be more. From the moment we open our eyes, we’re met with reminders that productivity is the ultimate measure of success. Social media feeds us snapshots of seemingly perfect lives: people juggling endless goals, ticking off to-do lists, and making constant progress. Quotes like “Rise and grind” or “You can sleep when you’re dead” echo in our minds (the latter one being a big MLM cult tactic FYI), pushing us to work harder, longer, and endlessly chase the next big achievement.
But at what cost? This relentless drive convinces us that slowing down means falling behind. We start to believe that success only comes through unyielding effort and that our value lies solely in how much we can produce. Hustling becomes a measure of self-worth, leaving little room for rest, reflection, or simply being.
This mindset runs so deep that slowing down feels almost unattainable, like a luxury reserved for those who’ve already “earned it”. We’re taught that rest must be deserved, and achieved only after exhausting ourselves completely. The idea that rest is essential, not optional, feels radical in a culture that glorifies busyness.
But here’s the truth: rest is rebellion. It’s a quiet act of defiance against a culture that tells us we’re only worthy when we’re doing. Choosing rest means reclaiming our power and saying no to a system that measures us solely by productivity. It’s about recognizing that we’re already enough, without the endless hustle and the constant striving.
Rest isn’t laziness or a lack of ambition. It’s a form of care, a commitment to our mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. It’s resistance against the harmful narrative that we must always be in motion to succeed. Rest allows us to show up for ourselves, to honor our need for balance and renewal. Because we are worthy of peace, not just productivity. We deserve stillness, not just striving.
Rest isn’t an escape - it’s essential.
Creating Space for Rest in a Busy World
I get it, life feels non-stop.
The endless to-do lists, work demands, family responsibilities, and everything in between make slowing down seem impossible. It’s easy to believe that rest has to be extravagant or time-consuming, something reserved for when you have hours, or even days, to spare. But here’s the good news: creating space for rest doesn’t mean dropping everything or doing nothing all day. It’s about intentionally carving out moments for yourself and setting boundaries to protect your peace, even amidst the chaos.
Rest isn’t about stepping away from life entirely, it’s about reclaiming small, meaningful moments of stillness within it. When we prioritise rest, we’re not just hitting pause; we’re replenishing the energy, clarity, and focus we need to keep showing up for what matters most.
Here are a few simple ways to invite rest into your busy life:
Set Boundaries
It’s okay to say “no.” In fact, it’s essential. Whether it’s declining a meet-up, skipping an event, or stepping away from your phone, boundaries safeguard your time and energy. Even a few uninterrupted minutes of quiet can make a huge difference. Remember, saying “no” isn’t selfish, it’s an act of self-respect and a necessary step toward creating space for rest.
Create Rest Rituals
Rest doesn’t have to be elaborate. Instead, think about small, intentional rituals you can weave into your day. It could be enjoying your morning coffee without distractions, taking a short walk to reset your mind on your lunch break, or spending a few minutes journaling before bed. These rituals become your anchors, small acts of rest that ground you and provide a sense of calm amidst the busyness.
Embrace Stillness
Sometimes, rest is as simple as pausing. You don’t need a nap or an entire afternoon off, just five minutes of stillness can be incredibly restorative. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let yourself simply be. Stillness isn’t about doing nothing; it’s about giving yourself permission to exist without pressure or expectation, even if just for a moment. There seems to be this massive miconception that rest, and indeed slow living, is only for those with ample time, when the reality is that it’s accessible for absolutely everyone - but realistically you’ve got to want to try. Bemoaning that you don’t have time could be better spent taking a few moments to do something positive towards the life you want to live instead.
The key to rest is to make it accessible and sustainable. You don’t need to wait for the weekend, your yearly holiday or a perfect moment to slow down. Instead, look for ways to weave rest into your daily routine. Think of them as tiny pockets of peace that help you recharge and resist the endless push to “do more.” These small moments of rest are a quiet but powerful rebellion against hustle culture, and they’ll leave you better equipped to show up for life in the ways that matter most.
Start small. Start today. Your mind, body, and soul will thank you for every moment of stillness you create.
Reclaiming Rest as Resistance
What if we stopped viewing rest as a luxury and started seeing it for what it truly is: a powerful act of resistance? In a world that constantly pushes us to stay busy, achieve more, and tie our worth to our productivity, choosing rest becomes an act of defiance. It’s a rebellion against hustle culture and a reminder that we are enough, even when we’re not in constant motion.
This year, I’m inviting myself, and you, to resist the relentless urge to hustle. Let’s give ourselves permission to rest, recover, and recharge so that we can show up fully for the moments and people that matter most. The goal isn’t to do it all; it’s to live intentionally and with balance, honouring our need for rest as an essential part of our wellbeing.
The Busy Person’s Guide to Slowing Down?
Slowing down might feel impossible in the midst of a packed schedule, but it’s not about stopping entirely, it’s about making space for intentional pauses.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by your busy life and longing for more balance, The Busy Person's Guide to Slowing Down is exactly what you need, a free, practical resource filled with tips and tools to help you make space for rest, even with the busiest of schedules. This guide is packed with practical tips and simple strategies to help you create moments of calm amidst the chaos. Whether you're juggling work, family, or everyday demands, this guide will show you how to slow down, simplify, and bring more intention to your day-to-day. It's time to take a deep breath and find your pace - grab your copy today and start your journey to a slower, more fulfilling life.
The Slow & Simple Workshop
If you’re ready to embrace the power of rest and start living a more intentional life, I invite you to join my brand-new Slow & Simple Workshop.
This 40-minute workshop is designed to help you shift from busy to intentional living. Together, we’ll explore how to incorporate small, actionable changes that prioritize rest, reflection, and alignment. Whether you’re feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or simply ready for a change, this workshop is the perfect starting point.
Let’s Make Rest a Priority
You deserve a life where rest isn’t just an afterthought, but a cornerstone of your wellbeing. Let’s reclaim it. Join me for the Slow & Simple Workshop, and take the first step toward creating a life rooted in intention, balance, and rest.
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