Rest. It’s a simple word, yet for many neurodivergent business owners, it feels like a luxury we can’t afford. There’s always something to do: emails to send, orders to fulfil, content to create. Taking a break? It can feel indulgent—or worse, lazy.

But here’s the truth: rest is not a waste of time. It’s a critical part of productivity, especially for neurospicy minds. Without rest, your brain and body can’t function at their best. So, let’s look at why rest is essential and how you can embrace it without guilt.

Rest is a Recharge, Not a Reward

For many of us, rest feels like something we have to earn. We work ourselves to the brink of exhaustion and then, maybe, we let ourselves have a breather. But what if we flipped the script?

Think of rest as recharging your phone. You wouldn’t wait until your phone hits 0% before plugging it in, right? Rest works the same way. Taking regular breaks keeps your mental battery topped up, so you don’t hit burnout.

The Science of Rest and Productivity

Studies show that rest improves focus, creativity, and decision-making—things, that as neurospicies, we often find challenging. It gives your brain a chance to process information, consolidate memories, and spark new ideas.

💡 Fun Fact: Have you ever noticed your best ideas come when you’re in the shower or on a walk? That’s your brain working in the background while you’re resting!

Types of Rest You Need

Rest isn’t just about plopping on the sofa (although that’s a great start). There are different types of rest, and you might need a mix to feel fully recharged:

Physical Rest: Sleep, naps, or even just lying down.

Mental Rest: Stepping away from work, screens, or decision-making.

Emotional Rest: Spending time with people who don’t drain you.

Creative Rest: Taking a break from problem-solving or creating.

💡 Example: If you’ve been brainstorming all day, swap the laptop for a walk in nature to give your brain a creative reset.

Why Neurospicy Brains Need More Rest

Let’s be honest: the world isn’t exactly built for neurodivergent people. Just navigating a “normal” day can be exhausting. Add running a business to the mix, and it’s no wonder we hit overwhelm.

Our brains process information differently, often working overtime to filter out distractions or cope with sensory input. Rest isn’t a luxury for us—it’s essential maintenance.

How to Rest Without Guilt

1. Schedule Rest Into Your Day

Treat rest like any other task on your to-do list. Block out time for breaks, and stick to it.

💡 Tip: Use the Pomodoro technique (or my 'Pomodoro Remix)—25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break.

2. Redefine Productivity

Being busy doesn’t equal being productive. Rest helps you work smarter, not harder. Start seeing it as a tool that makes your work better.

💡 Mantra: “Rest isn’t time wasted; it’s time invested in myself.”

3. Start Small

If you struggle to rest, start with bite-sized breaks. Five minutes to stretch, breathe, or enjoy a cup of tea can make a huge difference.

4. Let Go of Perfection

You don’t have to “earn” rest by finishing everything on your list. Rest because you deserve it, not because your work is done. Spoiler: the to-do list is never done. 😉

Real-Life Rest Strategies for Neurospicy Entrepreneurs

• Create a Restful Environment: Have a cosy chair, soft blanket, or a favourite playlist ready for downtime.
• Use Technology to Help: Apps like Calm or Headspace can guide you through quick relaxation exercises.
• Lean Into Your Passions: Rest doesn’t have to mean doing nothing. Lose yourself in a good book, doodle in your journal, or bake something delicious.

💡 Example: I love journaling in bright colours—it’s restful for my brain and feels creative, too! If you are into journaling -check out my other business (www.NeurospicyJournaling.com)

When Guilt Creeps In…

Feeling guilty about resting is common, especially if you’ve internalised the hustle culture mantra that you should always be “on.”

Here’s how to push back:

Remind Yourself Why You’re Resting: You’re not slacking off; you’re protecting your energy.

Visualise the Benefits: Picture yourself feeling focused and refreshed after a break.

Challenge Negative Thoughts: Would you judge a friend for taking a nap? Then why judge yourself?

Final Thoughts

Rest isn’t the enemy of productivity—it’s its secret weapon. By giving yourself permission to pause, you’re setting yourself up for long-term success and avoiding the dreaded burnout spiral.

So, put your feet up, grab a cuppa, and recharge your brain. You deserve it.