09/17/2025
Join us this week for another blog. 📖 🧠💡
All about the importance of downtime. Follow this read with a Straight Talk Sandra Reich podcast, which also features relaxation in relation to your mental health.
Enjoyed the blog? Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram for more stuff like this daily.
Also check out this blog along with previous ones on our website:
https://www.helpforanxietydepression.com/category/blog/
Without further ado, here is this week's blog!
The Power of Relaxation: Why You Need More Downtime
Week of September 15th
In today’s world, we’re expected to be ‘on’ all the time. It’s considered a badge of honour to always be busy and taking care of the next task. Sometimes we define ourselves by what we do, so we over do. In this haze of constant busyness it can feel like failure to need rest. Between work, family, and all the other commitments we have, giving ourselves permission to take some time off is a luxury or a sign of laziness. In reality, downtime isn’t a luxury. It’s an essential part of keeping your brain strong and healthy.
There are plenty of reasons to give yourself, and your brain, some downtime. Most importantly, it contributes to peak brain function. Have you ever stared at a blank email for hours not knowing what to write, only to get a great idea once you’re in bed for the night? This isn’t a coincidence. Your brain needs to relax and have time to absorb ideas before it can continue to work. A brain is much like a sponge, it can only take in so much before it needs to be wrung out. Relaxing is your way of wringing out your brain.
Downtime also matters as it contributes to more efficient brain function. This intentional act of stepping away from your responsibilities, and giving your body and mind a rest, leaves you feeling refreshed. If you don’t give yourself time to reboot, you’re more likely to experience burnout and other stress induced health problems. There are costs to never allowing yourself downtime. Burnout can show up in your life as constant fatigue, difficulty staying concentrated or motivated, feelings of detachment from loved ones, and much more. When left unchecked burnout contributes to your physical state as well. Constant headaches, indigestion, and sleep disturbances can all be attributed to not enough relaxation. Like any machine your body needs a reset every once and a while, or it simply will not function.
Taking a break doesn’t mean doing nothing. While that is one option, there are many other activities that let your brain reload without being completely turned off. Downtime can look like: Reading a book, taking a walk, doing a meditation, or anything at all that makes you feel relaxed. Even letting your mind wander can be replenishing. When not processing information, your brain turns automatic. Taking the time to focus inwards, on anything from memories to your own sense of self, this is how your brain does a system refresh.
If you feel too busy to even make time for yourself, try making it a priority. It is after all, an investment in your mental health. Treat downtime as an important appointment. Schedule it into your daily agenda, and protect the time you set aside. During your relaxation time, try disconnecting from the world. Turn your screens off and do something non-electronic centered for a set time. For your activity, choose something replenishing to you. Restore your mental health by doing something you enjoy and that centers you. Lastly, practice self compassion. While you’re having your downtime, you may feel ashamed or dirty. Remind yourself that you deserve to rest, and you’re actually improving your performance in all other aspects of your life.
It’s important to remember that downtime isn’t selfish. It’s essential to good brain health and an efficient working mind. By prioritizing rest, you not only replenish yourself but give your mind and body the power to put your best self forward. Relaxation is key to improving your mental health, and training your brain to be resilient when facing life’s challenges.
Does this definition of relaxation fit with your values? Listen to Clinical Director’s Podcast, Straight Talk with Sandra Reich, and learn even more about the importance of downtime.
Why You Need More Downtime!
About this Episode:
Do you ever feel bad for taking some downtime to relax? Rest and relaxation are not just luxuries! In fact, they are necessities - research shows that taking naps, meditation, nature walks and taking intentional, mental breaks will actually increase productivity, replenish attention, solidify memories and encourage creativity! Join us as Sandra talks with her colleague Georgia Dow about the importance of integrating relaxation in our lives.
Listen to it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zv5vj_3TR3g
Enjoyed Sandra’s insights? Subscribe to our YouTube channel and Follow us on INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK for daily tips, tricks, and inspiration.
If you find it hard to prioritise yourself and your needs to rest, this is your reminder that you’re not the only one. At The Montreal Center for Anxiety and Depression we have top specialists who can provide you with the necessary tools to put yourself first without feeling guilty. It would be our absolute pleasure to match you with a therapist and guide you as you reclaim your right to relax.
To find your therapist now, give us a call at 514 777-4530 today. We would love to help you, and get you started on your journey. Change your life… TODAY!
