Why Resting Is Productive
- Tim Thürnau
- Mar 11
- 2 min read
"Doing nothing isn’t lazy—it’s strategic."
Hello friend,
In a world that glorifies hustle, resting can feel like a guilty indulgence. But here’s a radical thought: rest isn’t a reward for hard work—it’s a prerequisite for it.
I’ve been guilty of wearing busyness like a badge of honor, pushing myself until exhaustion forces me to stop. But the truth I’ve learned (and am still learning) is this: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Rest isn’t just recovery—it’s fuel.
The Productivity Lie
We’re told that more effort equals more results. The hustle culture thrives on this narrative. But science—and common sense—tells us otherwise. Overworking leads to burnout, sloppy decisions, and diminishing returns.
Rest isn’t the enemy of productivity; it’s what makes it sustainable. It’s during those quiet moments that creativity sparks, solutions emerge, and our minds and bodies recharge.
Signs You’re Overdue for Rest
How do you know when it’s time to step back? Here are a few red flags:
You feel tired even after a full night’s sleep.
Your focus and creativity are slipping.
You’re snapping at people or feeling overly emotional.
You’ve started resenting tasks you used to enjoy.
Sound familiar? It’s time to rethink how you view rest.
How to Wing It
Rest doesn’t mean doing nothing forever—it means intentional downtime to recharge. Here’s how to embrace it:
Schedule Rest: Treat rest like a non-negotiable meeting. Put it on your calendar and honor it.
Redefine Productivity: Shift your mindset to see rest as part of the process, not a break from it.
Disconnect: Step away from screens and notifications. Real rest happens when your mind can truly switch off.
Final Thoughts
Rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s what allows you to show up fully, create with clarity, and handle life’s challenges with resilience.
So, give yourself permission to pause. The world will still be here when you return—probably better than you left it.
Bridging Worlds
If you want to see me wing it, I do a podcast with cool people. You should subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube.
This week on Bridging Worlds, I had the pleasure of speaking with Vittorio Papa, an award-winning yacht designer and founder of Spinta Studio. Vittorio’s story is rooted in a lifelong connection to the sea—from his childhood in Naples, where he grew up sailing, to founding his own design studio in Mallorca, where he crafts yachts that balance beauty, functionality, and the human connection to nature.
One standout moment?
"The sea teaches us to respect what’s outside of us, stay present in the moment, and never take anything for granted."
In this episode, Vittorio shares his insights on:
How to balance performance, comfort, and sustainability in yacht design.
The philosophical side of creating timeless designs that connect humans with nature.
Lessons from the sea that apply to both life and work.
Personally, I found Vittorio’s reflections on beauty, purpose, and the creative process incredibly inspiring—and I think you will too.
Keep winging it,
Tim