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.

POST

Giving with Practice

Most religions include service, charity, or acts of giving as part of their core traditions. In Judaism, there’s tzedakah. In Christianity, tithing. In Islam, zakat. Across different belief systems...

Connection with Practice

Religious communities usually come with built-in connection. Weekly gatherings. Holiday meals. People celebrate and grieve together. That was my experience growing up Jewish. I’ve been to Seders...

Notice with Practice

Prayer is a daily ritual for many religions. In Muslim tradition, they pause to pray five times a day. Christians and Jews traditionally say a short prayer before meals. While the words and reasons...

Repeat with Practice

Across many religious traditions, chanting, singing, or repeating phrases has been part of prayer, meditation, or ritual for centuries. But you don’t need to follow a specific belief system to feel...

Rest with Practice

Many major religions set aside time each week for rest: In Judaism, the Sabbath is from Friday evening to Saturday evening. For Christians, Sunday is the traditional day. In Islam, Friday is a day of...

Choose Your battles with Support

I used to think every battle was worth fighting. If something didn’t feel right, I reacted. I spoke up, pushed back, made it known. I thought that was strength. I didn’t want to feel like a...