In a society that is hyper focused on productivity, rest is often neglected.
We would much rather opt for another cup of coffee than for a 30 minute nap. We would prioritise studying for two extra hours past being functional, instead of stopping and taking a break. We would much rather adopt mantras such as “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” instead of admitting that being semi-functional and over caffeinated isn’t actually living.
But are we, as individuals, better off because of this?
We all want to work well, study well, and achieve the absolute best that we can - and there is nothing wrong with that. But are we approaching our ambitions in a manner that is healthy and sustainable in the long run?
The answer is that if you want to work well, you must first rest well. We all have limits, even if we would rather have more coffee than admit it.
Here are a few reasons why resting well will improve your overall functioning in the long run.
1. Resting well will decrease caffeine reliance.
Coffee is a wonderful tool - there is no denying that. Coffee kickstarts the day, sharpens the mind, extends periods of productive study, and helps to elevate one’s mood.
Caffeine is a fantastic temporary solution to temporary problems such as having had a bad night’s sleep.
Studies show that the short term effects of caffeine include things like increased alertness, increased breathing, and increased blood pressure. These short term effects can result in being more productive, increased stamina, and being able to retain more information when studying - and who wouldn’t want more of that?
The problem is that coffee is not an energy drink in the sense that it provides more energy when consumed. Caffeine is a stimulant and it only glosses over the feeling of being tired, by temporarily relieving tiredness.
The long term effects of the overconsumption of caffeine are, however, less favourable and include things like nervousness, insomnia, dehydration, stomach irritation, and fatigue. These side effects heavily impact performance and overall functioning - especially when studying.
I am all for coffee and making use of its fantastic short term effects, but in order to avoid the side effects of overconsuming caffeine, it would be better to take a quick nap or turn in for the night than getting another cup when what your body really needs is rest.
2. Sleeping enough improves motivation.
We all know that seven to eight hours of sleep helps to improve the overall functioning of the human body, but recent studies have also shown that the quality of one’s sleep influences motivation and a person’s approach to their day as well.
Motivation, or the lack thereof, can play a huge role in how productive a person is. I don’t know about you, but if I lack motivation, there is little that I can do to convince myself to make good use of my time.
Furthermore, studies indicate that the combination of being tired and lacking motivation can result in mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and despair. Now, those symptoms sure would influence a person’s outlook on life, studies, work, and overall productivity in the long run.
3. Rest will improve relationships.
Many people only think about sleep as rest, but there are different types of rest. Sleep is one of the most important types of rest, but spending quality time with loved ones is another way in which one can recharge after a long day of work or study.
Humans are social creatures - yes, even you Introverts - and we are made to function best when we are or have interacted with people who we can share our lives with. We want to share the ups and downs of our day. We crave an interaction with someone who is willing to listen. We desire being understood.
Not all people are extroverted in their social needs, but all people function better when spending a bit of time with someone that understands them - whether that be a family member or a friend.
So, next time you stand up from behind your computer to make yourself a cup of coffee, go and sit down with a family member for a ten to fifteen minute chat rather than taking your coffee back to your solitary spot of work or study; enjoy the company of someone else. Doing this will improve relationships and will alleviate stress simply because you are sharing what you are going through with someone who cares.
In a world that has built a society of productivity around a culture of overconsuming coffee, it can be hard to see any value in being well rested, but there is no denying that research findings are continually proving how important rest truly is.
Just think of the possible benefits of resting well… if all of the side effects listed in this article could at the very least be decreased in your day to day life, isn’t resting well worth a try?
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