The Power of Rest: 21 Quotes to Inspire a Balanced Life

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Do you allow yourself to have some relaxing time?

Do you think it is essential to rest for your emotional as well as physical well-being?

I used to find it very hard to relax or rest. Perhaps I simply didn’t know how to relax, and I didn’t even have the idea of resting.

Growing up, I didn’t see my parents resting or taking time to relax. My parents worked almost six days a week. My younger sister and I were latchkey children in Japan; we usually played outside or watched TV to pass the time until my parents came home in the evening. After living in the States, where kids under twelve are typically not allowed to stay home alone, it is a reverse culture shock that we did so back in those days.

Even on Sundays, my parents were highly involved in church activities from morning to evening. They were busy almost every day of the week. I only saw them staying at home during New Year’s. By watching my parents, I naturally cultivated, now I think, this wrong work/life ethic of “work hard with no rest” and “resting is laziness.”

Although I managed to hang out with friends or boyfriends occasionally, most weekends, and after school or work, I attended cram schools, got part-time jobs, took night classes, or did freelance work. This kind of lifestyle led me to experience several burnouts, yet it never occurred to me to question my lifestyle until I had my son.

Having a child made me face the problem of not allowing myself to take a break, which I had struggled with for decades. I realized that it was impossible to continue living the way I had before. The more I tried to work toward goals without rest, the quicker I got exhausted and unhappy. As frustrating as it was, I had to learn to slow down and be okay with growing slowly in order to prioritize enjoying time with my son and staying calm around him.

In addition, I simply need more time to rest because I’m in my forties now and don’t have as much energy as I did when I was in my teens, 20s, and early 30s.

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, the value of rest and relaxation is often overshadowed by our relentless pursuit of goals. However, now I believe that, true productivity and well-being seem to come from finding a balance between work and rest.

The following quotes highlight the significance of relaxation, the rejuvenation it brings, and the inner peace it fosters. Let these quotes guide us toward a more balanced and peaceful approach to living!

The Importance of Rest and Relaxation

Rest and relaxation are essential for a productive and balanced life. These quotes emphasize that taking time to unwind is not a waste but a necessary step to maintain efficiency and mental clarity. Just as machines and fields need downtime to function optimally, so do humans.

• “Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax.” – Mark Black

• “There is virtue in work and there is virtue in rest. Use both and overlook neither.” – Alan Cohen

• “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” – Anne Lamott

  
  

• “Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.” – Ovid

• “The time to relax is when you don't have time for it.” – Sydney J. Harris

• “Rest when you're weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work.” – Ralph Marston

  
  

• “Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer.” – William S. Burroughs

• “It’s a good idea always to do something relaxing prior to making an important decision in your life.” – Paulo Coelho

• “Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.” – Etty Hillesum

Rejuvenation and Mental Clarity

Relaxation is crucial for mental and emotional well-being. Rest provides a reset for the mind and body, empowering you to face challenges. Taking time to unwind can lead to inner growth and a deeper connection with your joy and inspiration.

• “The best bridge between despair and hope is a good night’s sleep.” – E. Joseph Cossman

• “It's important to give yourself a break and to feel empowered to do so.” – Mindy Kaling

• “Relaxation means releasing all concern and tension and letting the natural order of life flow through one’s being.” – Donald Curtis

• “Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” – Eleanor Brownn

• “Relaxation is the prerequisite for that inner expansion that allows a person to express the source of inspiration and joy within.” – Deepak Chopra

Embracing Calm and Inner Peace

Finding calm and inner peace is essential for overall health and personal fulfillment. Embracing stillness and letting go of rigid plans can bring unexpected joy. Inner peace leads to strength, self-confidence, and better health. Valuing the simplicity of doing nothing can open up a world of beauty and tranquility, reminding us that profound experiences come from being present and mindful.

• “Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.” — Chinese Proverb

• “You don’t always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go and see what happens.” — Mandy Hale

• “Nothing can bring you peace but yourself.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

• “Your calm mind is the ultimate weapon against your challenges. So relax.” — Bryant McGill

• “Slow down and everything you are chasing will come around and catch you.” — John De Paola

• “Calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that’s very important for good health.” — Dalai Lama

• “Don’t underestimate the value of doing nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering.” – A.A. Milne

Conclusion

Life's demands can leave us feeling drained and overwhelmed, making it crucial to find moments of respite. I came to learn that the art of relaxation is not just about taking breaks but about recharging our minds and spirits to face challenges with renewed vigor.

May these inspiring words remind us of the beauty and necessity of relaxation in our journey to a fulfilling life!

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Feel free to download these quotes to print and display on your wall as a daily reminder!

Want to pin these powerful words to your Pinterest board? If so, click here to the Luna Plena Pinterest board.