The busyness of life: A common struggle
How prioritizing rest will improve your life and help achieve your goals
It is easy to become caught in the busyness and whirlwind of life.
Starting an internship, getting married, going to college—all these take up a considerable portion of our everyday lives. It can sometimes feel overwhelming as if there is always something to do or something on our minds.
Yet, amid life's obligations, one critical component often gets overlooked—rest.
Specifically, though, as communications professionals, our work life of staying up to date with news, and trends, ensuring customers feel seen, and answering questions around the clock–may demand it more.
The importance of rest
It is important, even in the early stages as an emerging leader and professional, to ensure we develop habits of rest.
How can we give the best of ourselves when we are running on empty?
Why does it matter that we accomplish all of our goals if we aren’t able to enjoy the moment?
Rest is not a luxury; it is essential.
Prioritize rest—starting now
It is time to shift your mindset about rest.
The habits you form today will flow into the coming week, month, year, and decade of your life, setting the tone for everything else in your life.
Back in 1942, a solid 59% of people in a Gallup poll reported getting at least eight hours of sleep each night. Fast forward to 2023, and that number has dropped to just 26%.
Experts say adults should aim for at least seven hours of sleep per night, but the trend is moving in the opposite direction.
A record 20% of respondents in the 2023 Gallup survey admitted to getting less than five hours of sleep—up from 14% in 2013.
Research shows that lack of sleep can disrupt your performance at work or school, affect your social interactions, and make it harder to concentrate.
You deserve to rest.
Yes, you may have a lot of things on your to-do list, but you never want to reach the point where it becomes more of a burden than a delight.
You are not doing all of what you are doing to rest—you can only do what you do because you chose to rest.
A personal shift toward rest
In my undergraduate days, I was always like the Energizer Bunny—going and going, walking fast everywhere because I had "something to do."
One day, a friend stopped me and told me to slow down. Honestly, those words were just what I needed to hear.
Sometimes, we can prioritize the appearance of busyness over actually being productive.
I realized I did not need to be in a rush all the time.
This shift in perspective was not just about slowing down physically—it was about embracing rest mentally and emotionally.
I started walking slower during my commute. Because of this, I was able to bask in the beauty of nature, engage in meaningful conversations along the way, reflect, and allow my mind to flow without the thought of "what's happening next."
I was able to breathe again—and it made a world of difference.
How can you prioritize rest?
Prioritizing rest is a conscious decision, and here are some practical ways you can incorporate it into your daily life:
1. Recognize rest as essential for well-being
Rest is not a luxury; it is necessary for physical, emotional, and mental health. When we treat rest as a fundamental need rather than an afterthought or reward for productivity, we empower ourselves to perform better and more sustainably.
Rest is essential for recharging and staying aligned with long-term goals.
It helps maintain balance and prevents burnout.
Investing in rest allows you to give each goal the energy and focus needed to achieve it.
By acknowledging rest as crucial, we begin to respect our limits and enhance our capacity to thrive in all we do.
2. Build rest into your daily routine
Treat rest as a non-negotiable part of your schedule, not something you only do when everything else is done. Create boundaries around your time for work, relationships, and personal time. Block off time for rest, whether through sleep, relaxation, or simply doing something enjoyable.
Set aside time each day to rest and recharge.
Prioritize sleep and ensure you are getting enough.
Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation.
Walk, not run.
At work, I always ask people, "What is one thing you did this week that brought you joy?" Why? Because I want them to understand the value of taking time for themselves. You cannot pour from an empty cup.
3. Shift your perspective on productivity
Understanding that rest is an investment in your future productivity will change how you view it. Rest is not a detour from your goals—it enhances your ability to meet challenges with energy and focus.
Rest fuels your energy and enhances focus.
It allows you to return to your tasks with a clear mind and renewed energy.
You are not sacrificing progress by resting—you are enhancing your ability to meet challenges.
As you enter the new semester, internship, or job, commit to making rest a priority.
Remember, rest is a right, not a reward.
You deserve it, and the journey ahead can be more peaceful, productive, and fulfilling when you make time for it.
I’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts, ideas, or questions in the comments below and join the conversation.
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Meet Raphael
I am a budding foreign news and digital journalist and student researcher pursuing a master's degree in international journalism at Baylor University. My recent research focuses on public relations competencies and AI technology and has recently been presented at the AEJMC Annual Conference and PRSA ICON 2024. I serve as the vice president of the National Association of Black Journalists Baylor Chapter and a member of The Plank Center Emerging Voices group.
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