The Rest Strategy: How to Keep Your Energy Flowing

The Rest Strategy: How to Keep Your Energy Flowing

Do you ever feel like the harder you push, the more your energy slips away? Balancing the many aspects of Marrawuy Journeys has taught me that momentum is powerful—but tricky to sustain. Recently, I’ve been thinking about how to keep my creative and strategic energy flowing without burning out. What I've found is that being intentional with the right type of rest helps sustain momentum rather than slow it down.

Rest as a Strategy

We often think of rest as a reward for working hard—a luxury to indulge in after a long day. But I’ve realised that rest isn’t optional—it’s essential. It’s not just about sleep (though that’s important too); it’s about creating deliberate pauses to recharge and sustain momentum. Rest is a tool, not a treat.

My latest read, Rest by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang, challenged the idea that rest is something you earn after working hard. Instead, it’s a core part of productivity and creativity. A few insights that stuck with me:

• Active Rest: Being intentional about how you rest by choosing activities that align with your current energy levels. It’s about selecting tasks that recharge you without draining focus.

• Creative Incubation: Stepping away from a problem to let your subconscious work on it. Insights often emerge when you’re not actively trying to solve the issue.

• Knowing Your Next Step: Before you finish a task, jot down your next step. This helps maintain momentum even after taking a break. It’s not just about stopping when you’re on a roll, but setting yourself up to pick up the thread easily next time.

Putting It Into Practice

Planning my next step makes all the difference. I start each week by mapping out key tasks to keep momentum going. When painting, I’m intentional about stopping at a natural point and noting what comes next—so I can jump back into the flow without hesitation.

But when I don’t? Momentum stalls. After finishing my last commission, I didn’t set a next step for my exhibition pieces—and progress came to a halt. It’s a reminder that knowing where to start next time isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for keeping creative projects moving.

The same principle applies to planning my consulting services. I didn’t rush the process; instead, I gave myself time to reflect and develop the ideas over a few sessions. Letting ideas incubate made the final outcome more intentional and aligned.

Moving Forward with Intention

The biggest takeaway? Rest isn’t just about stopping—it’s about being intentional with how you pause. Next time you feel like pushing through, try pausing a little sooner. Notice how it feels to leave a task in a good place, ready to pick up right where you left off. Taking deliberate breaks doesn’t slow you down—it keeps your energy flowing.

What strategies do you use to keep your energy flowing? I’d love to hear your thoughts—let’s start a conversation!