Many elements contribute to our health - genetics, diet, physical activity, and a factor that's often overlooked, our environment.
As the World Health Organization defines it, mental health is more than the absence of mental health conditions or disabilities; it is fundamental to our collective and individual ability as humans to think, emote, interact with each other, earn a living, and enjoy life.
We live in a very social world where there seems to be no 'off switch.' Rest is seldom, and being constantly on is a way of life. Whether it has to be available to answer emails around the clock, develop content, and post weekly on social media, or even the mundane tasks, like responding to messages from family and friends. So many things desire our attention, and saying yes to everything or even responding to everything can put our minds in a constant go-mode.
Now imagine driving 25 mph on a 60 mph highway. The DMV states that going too slow can be as dangerous as driving too fast. Moving at the wrong speed is hazardous for the person driving, the passengers, and others on the road.
In a world where we always feel required to drive fast and keep up, it's okay to exit and rest—but going while exhausted is dangerous not only in a physical car but even in your world.
Not allowing external sources to push you beyond your limits or slow you down is imperative to maintain a healthy head space.
So many organizations are devoted to helping us say no when we should say no, and yes when we should say yes. But, unfortunately, subtle background noise in society rings so loudly in our ears, reminding us to dwell in our past or worry about the future when all we have to do is work for today. The rest follows. So, rest.