December 3, 2023

The Need to Rest

Stoicism offers valuable insights on taking rest and maintaining a balanced life. Here are some Stoic-inspired pieces of advice:

  1. Recognize the Importance of Rest: Embrace the understanding that rest is not a sign of weakness but a necessary part of a balanced and productive life. Seneca, a Stoic philosopher, said, "It's not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste much of it."
  2. Practice Mindful Rest: When you take rest, be fully present in the moment. Avoid dwelling on past concerns or worrying about the future. Seneca advised, "True happiness is... to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future."
  3. Rest as a Means, Not an End: See rest as a means to recharge and enhance your ability to engage with the challenges of life, rather than an end in itself. Epictetus, another Stoic philosopher, emphasized focusing on what is within your control.