Are you fake resting?

I love to read, and always have done.

For me, it’s a beautiful way of opening my mind and expanding my horizons, of entertaining and educating my brain. It’s also one of my favourite ways to rest and recharge.

I set myself up in a comfy place with a hot drink and a brilliant book like this one, and immerse. I read slowly - digesting each part and really savouring it, even when I’m longing to race ahead!

When it’s time to stop I feel calm and restored, and fresh ideas pop into my head. It’s like plugging into a creatively energising power source.

Except when it isn’t.

I know I’ve fallen into the trap of fake resting when I’m still reading but it’s something that isn’t keeping me engaged. I’m skipping through and mindlessly consuming words - the equivalent of scrolling.

Often, I haven’t moved from a particular chair for hours, and I haven’t got the energy to get out of it! I’m no more rested than when I started.

It’s like putting myself in low power mode, or plugging into a socket that doesn’t work.

It’s fake rest disguised as the good stuff.

And I know it’s not just me.

Fake resting is such an easy trap to fall into - an activity that seems great on paper but isn’t actually recharging us.

We can spot the difference by paying attention to how we feel before and after. Better - or worse?

Are you fake resting?

And is it about finding a different activity, or adjusting your approach?

So, you can find a way to truly restore and recharge your energy.

Wishing you all a week of recharging with real rest,