Rest

It's important to understand that there are two kinds of rest. There is relaxation and recreation. Both are important and both have a place in life, but in order to use them properly one has to first understand them.

Relaxation is a purely unproductive activity. It is “veging out" and some examples are movies, video games, watching or playing sports things like that. Relaxation is best used in small doses and usually works well as a reward, such as at the end of a hard days work. When it is used this way it can add to one’s fulfillment. Most people have a tendency to over use this form a rest though. When we do it leads to sloth and guilt or even shame. When out Relaxation becomes a distraction it doesn't refresh us and instead it becomes a hindrance to our over all well being.

Recreation is literally about re-creation. These are productive habits and hobbies that we enjoy doing and actually bring a result in the world. Writing, painting, reading, working out… all of these things “recreate” us and replenish our energy when we feel drawn out our tired and the difference here is that recreation is a productive use of our talents and passions and brings us not just a sense of accomplishment, but actual accomplishment. In this way it rejuvenates us and will truly replenish and recharge us.