Rest is a powerful productivity tool

In a world obsessed with doing more, we often forget a simple truth: rest is one of the most productive uses of your time. As an Emotional Projector and energy healer, I see and understand personally how pausing physically, mentally, and energetically creates more clarity, alignment, and efficiency than pushing ever could.

When you rest, your body repairs, your intuition strengthens, your emotions regulate, and your productivity becomes intentional instead of reactive. Rest isn’t a luxury. Rest is strategy. Rest is healing. Rest is energy alignment.

As part of my study of human design, and learning about my human design energy type of being a projector, it was a major light bulb moment to learn that projectors do not have a consistent access to "doing" energy, and that we (projectors) need more rest than other energy types.

For most of my life I have needed to have weekend naps, to catch up on energy expended during the week. Understanding this is literally part of my energetic blueprint design for my body was very validating and almost a form of permission that I needed to listen to my body when I feel I need to rest.

As a mother, it has also been very challenging to have rest time while raising children so I understand the limitations of this when the to do list is never ending. However it is so important to stop when you need, and also to ask for help if required, to facilitate your own rest practice. You'll feel much better for it.

I've put together this article to hopefully inspire others to listen to your body when you feel you need to rest - as even if you aren't a projector energy type - rest is still valid and important! And hopefully this gives you some ideas on how rest might look best for you. Please note this article does not constitute not medical advice.

Why rest increases productivity

1. Rest improves mental clarity & focus

When we stop “doing,” the brain and body are able to work on:

• Creative problem-solving

• Deeper insight

• Memory formation

• Intuition and inner guidance.

  
  

2. Rest reduces stress & regulates the nervous system

Quiet moments allow your body to shift into the parasympathetic state: the “rest and digest” mode, lowering cortisol and supporting emotional balance.

3. Rest restores energy & prevents burnout

For sensitives, empaths, and especially Projectors, rest isn’t optional. Your aura and nervous system thrive when you alternate between energy output and intentional stillness.

What happens biologically when we rest - the benefits of rest

Waking rest: the reset you didn’t know you needed

Even short pauses such as looking out the window, lying down, or meditating trigger biological benefits such as:

• Stress hormones decrease

• Muscles release tension

• Blood pressure stabilises

• Brain function improves

• Emotional processing becomes easier.

This is why micro-rest is a game-changer for productivity.

Sleeping rest: deep repair & emotional integration

During sleep, your body enters a profound healing phase:

• The brain clears toxins and metabolic waste

• Memories and learning consolidate

• Emotional experiences integrate

• Hormones rebalance

• Muscles and tissues repair.

  
  

Good sleep is one of the strongest foundations for intuitive clarity and stable energy.

The optimum nap length for increased productivity

As I mentioned earlier, I am a life-long weekend and holiday napper. I've tried out many lengths and normally find that I will either set a timer for 20 minutes, or just let my body sleep for however long it needs.

Here's some considerations about nap length:

🌙 10–20 Minutes

Best for: Quick refresh, alertness, sharper thinking. No grogginess. Ideal for mid-day clarity.

🌙 30 Minutes

Best for: Emotional reset. May cause some grogginess.

🌙 60 Minutes

Best for: Cognitive enhancement and memory support. Includes slow-wave sleep.

🌙 90 Minutes (Full cycle)

Best for: Deep restoration, creativity, physical repair. No grogginess because the sleep cycle completes.

Projectors & sensitives often thrive with short, intentional rests throughout the day, rather than long stretches of non-stop work.

Types of rest: 7 powerful ways to restore your energy

As discussed, naps and sleep are not the only form of rest to consider. Here's a list of options for you to consider what might align best for your needs.

1. Physical rest

• Gentle naps

• Restorative movement

• Stretching

• Baths

• Lying down with no agenda.

  
  

2. Mental rest

• Mind-wandering

• Journaling

• Pausing between tasks

• Technology-free moments.

  
  

3. Emotional rest

• Allowing feelings without fixing

• Talking to someone safe

• Breathwork

• Soothing music.

  
  

4. Sensory rest

• Reduced light & noise

• Nature immersion - highly recommend sitting barefoot on the grass.

• Eye-closed pauses

• Screen breaks.

  
  

5. Creative rest

• Being inspired rather than producing

• Listening to music

• Painting or drawing

• Visiting nature or art spaces.

  
  

6. Social rest

• Time in supportive company

• Alone time

• Clear energetic boundaries.

  
  

7. Spiritual/energetic rest

• Meditation

• Grounding

• Energy clearing

• Intentional breathwork

• Quiet connection with your inner guidance - will do another article about automatic writing!

Benefits of rest - how did that feel?

How did you feel reading this list? Did you have an inner voice saying "I don't have time for rest" or any other blockers or emotional responses to these suggestions? Which types of rest felt good like a "yes" I want to do that feeling? What did you think of the benefits of rest - did this make you want to incorporate rest into your day?

If you found you tensed up or felt strongly about any of the above suggestions, it's possible that you may have some limiting beliefs around rest. The Belief Code may help release any limiting beliefs around rest so if this feels like something that may be of support, please check out my Belief Code sessions.

I have a special new client offer right now - 2 sessions for $149 so you can see what's it's like to work with me. I'd love to help you when you are ready.

Best,

Jeanette

Intuitive Guide and Energy Healer