Soft Life Isn’t Lazy, What Intentional Rest Really Looks Like
Rest. It’s a word that should bring comfort, but in our world, it often brings guilt. We’ve been conditioned to measure our worth by how busy we are, how much we hustle and how many tasks we can check off the never-ending to-do list. But here’s a question for you: when did rest become synonymous with laziness?
Enter the concept of the “soft life,” a cultural movement advocating for a gentler, more intentional way of living. For some, it’s a life of balance and peace, where rest is prioritised as much as hard work. For others, it’s mistakenly dismissed as frivolous or lazy, a life of indulgence with no real ambition. But let’s set the record straight: the soft life isn’t avoiding responsibility but choosing responsibility for your wellbeing.
In a society that glorifies burnout, embracing rest is one of the most radical things you can do. Let’s explore what intentional rest really means, why it’s a necessity, not a luxury and how the soft life can be a game-changer for our health, happiness and productivity.
The Myth of Hustle Culture
For decades, society has sold us the idea that success requires constant hustle. The “rise and grind” mentality tells us that if we’re not working every hour of the day, we’re failing. Social media amplifies this message with posts about 5 a.m. workouts, 16-hour workdays, and “sleep is for the weak” slogans. It’s exhausting just thinking about it.
Studies show that overworking doesn’t actually make us more productive. In fact, chronic stress and burnout can impair our ability to think clearly, make decisions, and perform at our best. According to the World Health Organisation, burnout is now officially recognised as a workplace phenomenon, characterised by exhaustion, cynicism and reduced efficiency.
Ironically, the very thing hustle culture promises, success, is undermined by its own demands. If we’re constantly running on empty, how can we truly thrive?
This is where the soft life comes in, not as an escape from hard work, but as a reimagining of it.
What the Soft Life Really Means
The soft life isn’t about lounging on a beach all day (though if you can swing it, good for you!). It’s about creating a life where peace, balance and joy are non-negotiable. It’s about working smarter, not harder and recognising that rest is just as important as action.
Take Serena Williams, for example. The tennis legend has spoken openly about prioritising rest and recovery, not just for her physical health but for her mental wellbeing. In an interview, she once said, “You have to take care of yourself before you can take care of your goals.” Her dedication to self-care hasn’t made her any less ambitious it’s made her one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Or consider Rihanna, who took a step back from releasing new music to focus on her beauty and fashion empire, and later, motherhood. She faced criticism from fans who wanted her to keep churning out albums, but Rihanna unapologetically prioritised what mattered most to her at the time. That’s the essence of the soft life: knowing your limits and choosing what aligns with your values.
The Science Behind Rest
Rest isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a biological necessity. When we rest, our bodies repair themselves, our brains consolidate memories and our stress levels decrease. Without adequate rest, we’re more susceptible to illness, mental health challenges and even chronic conditions like heart disease.
One study by the University of California, Berkeley, found that sleep-deprived individuals experienced a 60% increase in emotional reactivity. In simple terms, lack of rest makes us more irritable, anxious and less able to handle stress.
But rest doesn’t only mean sleep. Intentional rest includes activities that calm the mind and recharge the soul. This could be anything from reading a book to taking a leisurely walk, meditating, or simply sitting in silence with a cup of tea.
Why Rest Isn’t Lazy
One of the biggest misconceptions about rest is that it’s unproductive. Rest is the foundation of productivity. When we give ourselves time to recharge, we return to our tasks with greater focus, creativity and energy.
Think of it like a smartphone. You wouldn’t expect your phone to run all day without charging, so why do we expect the same of ourselves? Rest isn’t a sign of weakness it’s a sign of wisdom.
Even high achievers like Barack Obama have recognised the power of rest. During his presidency, Obama made it a point to have dinner with his family every evening and take time to read or reflect before bed. These moments of intentional rest didn’t detract from his work, they enhanced his ability to lead effectively.
How to Embrace Intentional Rest
If you’re ready to break free from hustle culture and embrace the soft life, here are a few tips to help you integrate intentional rest into your daily routine:
Set Boundaries
Learn to say no to obligations that drain you or don’t align with your priorities. Remember, every “yes” to something is a “no” to something else often your own wellbeing.Schedule Rest
Treat rest like any other important appointment. Block out time in your calendar for activities that recharge you, whether it’s a walk in the park, a yoga class, or a guilt-free nap.Redefine Productivity
Productivity isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing what matters. Focus on quality over quantity, and don’t be afraid to take breaks when you need them.Practise Mindfulness
Spend a few minutes each day in mindfulness or meditation to calm your mind and reconnect with the present moment. Apps like Headspace or Calm can be great tools for beginners.Celebrate Rest
Shift your mindset around rest. Instead of seeing it as something indulgent or lazy, recognise it as an essential part of your overall success and wellbeing.
The soft life isn’t avoiding hard work it’s about working and living with intention. It’s about recognising that rest isn’t the enemy of success; it’s the secret to it.
Choosing rest is a revolutionary act. It’s a declaration that your worth isn’t tied to how much you accomplish or how little you sleep. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to burn out to shine.
So, the next time someone tries to make you feel guilty for taking a break, just smile and say, “I’m not lazy, I’m recharging.” Because, as the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup.