Optimizing Performance and Life Through Aligned Rest
it all started after i spent three weeks immersed in the adirondack forest—lots of forest bathing, meeting my rest needs in ways i didn’t even realize i was missing when i first set out. when i came back, i felt like me again—more relaxed, grounded, and connected. you know that feeling when you finally exhale after holding your breath for way too long? yeah, that kind of clarity.
i’ve had some time to process and integrate what i learned out there. while it’s still evolving, here’s what i know for sure: rest is crucial, and i haven’t been talking about it enough—at least not publicly or in my content. the thing is, it’s not just me—everywhere i look, people are desperate for rest. my clients, my instabuddies, my friends—everyone’s pushing harder and harder, but their nervous systems? fried. exhausted. running on fumes. and here’s the kicker: it’s not just needing a break. rest is way more intricate and specific than most of us even realize. it’s not a one-size-fits-all thing.
we live in a culture that glorifies hustle and grind. we’re fed the idea that constant action and optimization are the keys to success, with everyone hunting for the next big hack. but here’s the truth: for action to bring about real, meaningful results, rest has to be baked into the process. it’s not just about dodging burnout; it’s about realizing that rest is actually the secret to unlocking our full potential. without it, we’re barely scratching the surface of what we’re capable of.
i’m talking about aligned rest—not just catching up on sleep or crashing on the couch with a movie, but intentional rest that meets your specific needs. depending on where the rest deficit is, that’s where we need to focus our energy. (we’ll dive into the different types of rest in another post!) this is how we hit that sweet spot for optimal performance.
rest isn’t optional. it’s something we have to respect, value, and—let’s be honest—have the discipline to take. it’s not just about fending off burnout or mental fatigue; it’s the fuel for the life we’re building.
so, what’s holding us back? a lot of it comes down to irrational beliefs around rest. we’ve been conditioned to think that rest is unproductive, undeserved, or just plain uncomfortable. but aligned rest, and designing life with rest in mind, are actually invitations to do deeper work on ourselves. it’s never as simple as, “okay, i know this now, i’ll just start resting more.” real change happens when we tackle the belief systems running the show. resting while feeling guilty for taking time off? yeah, that’s not rest.
to really design for aligned rest, we’ve gotta reprogram the mind.
we’re at our best when we honor both sides of the equation—action and rest. and i’m really excited to dive more into the rest side with you all moving forward. it’s time we design our lives with balance, so we can truly thrive.
With Love,
Lindsay
