Despite the re-branding that sleep and rest has experienced this past decade, it’s still not easy to just stop for a minute and take a breath.

But you know as well as I do that rest IS the key for peak performance and creativity. 

I’ve curated a list of activities that you can experiment with. I invite you to implementing these in your life as you see fit. 

Hopefully some of these will resonate and allow you to catch your breath, access flow states, and charge your internal batteries.

The Paradox of Productive Rest

I’m not trying to give you more stuff to do, truly I’m not. This blog is about all the ways that you can give yourself an opportunity to take a load off while still engaged in some sort of activity. A multipurpose approach that is designed to tackle more than one aspect of your overall wellbeing.

Each of these activities is beneficial in their own right, while also being restorative and soothing on the nervous system.

Why Productive Rest Matters

As you’ve probably figured out by now, without proper rest, we’re setting ourselves up for burnout and decreased productivity. 

Productive rest isn’t just nice to have; it’s essential for consistent and sustainable success, psychological wellbeing and and a nurtured creative life.

Types of Productive Rest

Physical Rest

• Restorative yoga (Yin Yoga)
• Mobility movement / Gentle stretching
• Power naps (Yoga Nidra)

Mental Rest

• Meditation and breath work
• Reading fiction
• Engaging in a hobby, get those Leggos and puzzles out!

Creative Rest

• Drawing, doodling, painting, etc
• Taking a walk in nature
• Listening to good music like Pink Floyd or John Coltrane

Flow State Cultivation

• Accessing a state of Flow
• Journaling thoughts and emotions
• Allowing time for unstructured creative play and adventure

Implementing Productive Rest

Schedule it. Treat rest like any other important appointment.

Create restful and creative spaces. Designate areas in your home that invite relaxation and artistic expression.

Embrace micro-rests and mini-flow Sessions. Even a 5-minute sketching break, breathwork or a short meditation is free medicine on every level.

Unplug regularly. Program your phone to activate Do Not Disturb at the same time every day. Which happens to be my favourite smartphone feature.

The Role of Functional Mushrooms in Rest and Creativity

Some functional mushrooms can be excellent allies in your quest for productive rest and enhanced creativity:

• Reishi: Could help promote better sleep and reduce stress.
• Lion’s Mane: Could support cognitive function and creative thinking.
• Cordyceps: Might help balance energy levels, supporting both active and rest phases.

The Productive Rest and Creative Flow Mindset

Productive rest isn’t about being lazy. It’s about strategically unplugging so you can plug back in at full creative power. It’s an essential part of any high-performance, artistically fulfilling lifestyle.

Remember, in order to be rested you must also be patient with yourself. Mastering the art of rest and tapping into flow states takes practice. 

But the dividends it pays in enhanced creativity, productivity, and overall well-being are immeasurable.

How do you practice productive rest and nurture your creativity? 

Share your favourite strategies in the comments below, or you can join us here and tell us all about it here:

• Facebook group (8.000+ members)
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• Follow us on Instagram @microdosepro.amsterdam and @humanpro.amsterdam
• Follow me on Instagram @asha_md_coach 

As always,

Shine bright. Do good. Flow strong.

Asha ✨