We push ourselves too hard to keep going, to get better, and it's often counter-productive. The brain and the body need rest to process what we've learned. We need time to heal, reflect, and recharge.

There's this impetus to constantly try harder to get better, to reach the next checkpoint --- to be happy. And while it's true that most of us need to work hard to reach our goals, there's a threshold. We overextend ourselves and end up negating some of the benefits of working so hard. 

It's like redlining your car, if you get in, floor it, and don't ever let up on the gas pedal, that car isn't going to last long. It just physically cannot keep up with that much work, because it's not built to and neither are we. The human body is a complex system but it has very simple needs, and rest is one of the most important for our general well-being. 

Obviously, some things are out of our immediate control, we have to go to work, and take care of our children and pets. Our relationships require time, attention, and energy. Sometimes there is very little space left for rest and self-care so the key is to make the absolute most of it. 

It is not a day of rest if you spend the entire day feeling guilty about the things you are not getting done. 

If you are able to take a day off, put your feet up and binge-watch Our Flag Means Death, then by all means fucking do it but do it for real. It defeats the entire purpose if you are berating yourself for a deadline you have looming at work, or telling yourself you're being lazy because there are dishes in the sink or toys on the floor. There is always going to be something that needs to be done. Always. You do not have to earn rest. Period. It is a basic human need, like drinking water. You wouldn't withhold water from yourself because you have laundry that isn't folded and put away. The two things are not related. Just like your right to rest has fuck all to do with your to-do list. 

So take a break when you get a chance, put off that chore if you can, and realize it'll still be there tomorrow. After a legitimate break, you might find it easier to jump back on the grind because not only have you physically rested your body, you've given yourself space and permission to be kind to yourself and that goes a long way in improving your mental health as well.