Recharge Like a Kindergartener

In kindergarten, nap time wasn’t optional. The adults around us understood something we tend to forget—no matter how much energy we have, we still need rest to keep going. Even the kids who insisted they weren’t tired had to lie down for a while, and more often than not, they ended up falling asleep. The lesson? Rest isn’t about whether we feel like we need it in the moment—it’s about making sure we have enough energy to handle what comes next.

But as we get older, we resist rest. When there’s so much to do, experience, and engage with, stopping for a break can feel like missing out. And yet, when we push through exhaustion, everything suffers. We move through the day in a fog, struggling to think clearly or make good decisions. Even the fun we stay up for feels muted under the weight of exhaustion.

I have to remind myself that resting isn’t giving up. It’s not a waste of time. The fact that I work from home and have the ability to take a short nap in the middle of the day is a gift. And I’m learning how to use that gift—one nap at a time.

And if a nap isn’t an option? A break still helps. Stepping away from work, closing a screen, or even sitting in silence for a few minutes can reset the brain. Rest isn’t just sleep—it’s anything that gives the mind and body a chance to recover.

We don’t outgrow the need for rest. The work of keeping our body and mind balanced starts with recognizing that breaks aren’t a luxury—they’re a necessity.

ACTION: Take a real break today. If a nap is possible, give yourself permission to take one. If not, step away from work, put down your phone, or sit quietly for even just one minute. Notice how even a short pause can reset your energy and focus.