The Productivity of Slow Living and Self-Care: Why Taking Time for Yourself is the Best Investment

I feel like the topic of productivity is ever-present in our lives, and it's not exactly a bad thing. For our ancestors, how productive their Summer was measured how secure their Winter would be. Being productive meant survival and making it through to the next Spring.

Being productive in the modern world isn't a bad thing either. Having goals and deadlines keeps us on track with our tasks, makes cooperation with others easier, and makes us value our time and the work we're doing more.

It's important to balance the need for productivity with the principles of slow living - taking the time to be mindful, enjoying the present moment, and ensuring that our productivity doesn't come at the cost of our well-being. By integrating slow living, we can make our productivity more sustainable and meaningful.

In 2018, when I became a mother for the second time and YR Studio started really taking off, with orders coming in daily, I quickly learned that being organised and productive was my only way not to lose my mind. Having a clear to-do list of work-related tasks, followed by house chores (thankfully split with my husband), while tending to my newborn baby Rosie, was the reason why we're even here today. Looking back at those days, I really see the value of being able to focus and complete tasks without delay and unnecessary time-wasting.

And yet, so many of us (including myself) feel a sense of dread inside when hearing the word "productive," as if it's a bad thing.

Like many things in this world, being productive has been pushed too far, not respecting people's need for physical and mental rest and the fact that nothing in nature is productive 365 days a year. Nature rests all Winter, but we, humans, are expected to be at our peak performance all year round, becoming part of the "hustle culture" we never signed up for. 

I think this is where the issue lies with being productive—that our to-do list doesn't end once we leave our workplace. Our homes need cleaning, our bodies need exercise, we have another appointment in town, and your daughter is attending a birthday party tomorrow. As women, we have a tendency to put everyone and everything else before our own needs. I think this caring nature is deeply ingrained in our DNA, and it makes us wonderful mothers and wives.

I'm sure you know the saying "You can't pour from an empty cup," and you're well aware that no car would drive with an empty tank. Most of us know very well that self-care is health care, and yet... it’s so easy to let it slip.

A happy, rested, and healthy you can give more to the world, especially to those you care about. Here is a list of reasons why rest and self-care is not just about pampering yourself, but about physical and mental health, helping you to be the best version of yourself. Embracing the principles of slow living: prioritising quality over quantity, being present in the moment, and nurturing a deep connection with yourself will help you create the balance in life we all need.

If you ever struggle, just come back to this list to read why taking care of yourself is productive and how it makes you a better person.

1. Rest Recharges Your Energy

It's not just our body that needs rest and energy, but our brain too. Being tired without proper rest for an extended period of time can lead to headaches, lack of focus, slower reflexes and responses, and overall turn your life into misery.

Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep, but it's a very individual thing that you should figure out on your own. Some people (like my husband) love getting up bright and early, while others might prefer a lie-in. I'm somewhere in the middle—I noticed that I do need more sleep than Andrei, but sleeping past 7:30 am (the latest—I usually wake up about 6:30-7:00 am) makes me feel sluggish and somehow... sleepy again?

Figuring out the right amount of sleep is one of the best things you can do for yourself, and then stick to it. Staying on your phone scrolling in bed or reading past midnight might sound like fun in the moment, but you'll pay for it the following day. I'm not being funny here, ladies, things change with age. What was alright in my mid-20s is out of the question in my mid-30s. Not enough sleep and I not only don't feel good, but it's also visible on my face (hence they call it "beauty sleep"!).

Lack of a good night's sleep will give us dark circles, puffiness, tired eyes, and changes in skin complexion. On the opposite spectrum, a good night's sleep will make us glow, helping our skin regenerate and tighten, brightening our eyes, and overall making us look happier and more relaxed. It's an easy choice, isn't it?

2. A Happy You is a More Productive You

But enough about looks. A good night's sleep and regular rest days will make you more alert, focused, and ready to tackle anything that life will throw at you. As I mentioned in the introduction to this post, being able to focus and complete tasks, without delaying and losing concentration, is a massive help that will pay off in anything you're doing, giving you better results and allowing more time for yourself, your family, and the things you enjoy.

Happiness has a powerful impact on your ability to focus, solve problems, and be creative. If you’re feeling good, you’re more likely to deal with your tasks with enthusiasm and a positive attitude. This is not only more pleasant for you but for everyone around you. As a mother, wife, or employee, your happiness and can-do attitude will lift the spirits in your household and workplace, making everything run more smoothly and the people around you more motivated.

3. Self-Care Strengthens Your Relationships

Taking care of yourself may seem self-centered, but it positively affects those around you. A tired you is more likely to be snappy and short-tempered, sending non-verbal signals of "everyone just leave me alone."

A well-rested you will certainly be a better mum, wife, and employee or business owner. You will have more patience, understanding, and love to give. Your brain will be better at solving any issues or tricky situations that might arise not just for yourself but for others too. In short: you'll be more productive in the best sense of the word.

By investing in your rest, you’re investing in your home, workplace, and relationships.

Especially at home, with little people, it's so important to be in a good mental space since our children are perfect at testing our limits and patience :D

You Deserve Rest—No Justification Needed

One of the most important things about self-care is recognising that you don’t need to justify it. Rest is your right as a human being. You don’t need to earn it or prove that you deserve it by being “productive” first. It’s okay to take a break simply because you feel like it.

Ready to invest in your self-care? Treat yourself to our hand-poured candles, made with natural wax in our Somerset studio, perfect for your slow living rituals.

Learning to rest without guilt is one of the most empowering things a woman can do for herself. This way, you also train people around you to respect your need to rest. If you constantly complain about being tired and yet keep on going, serving everyone around you, this will become the norm. Your family or work colleagues will learn to ignore your signals, and you can't even blame them because that’s the example you've set for yourself. Treat yourself the way you want others to treat you.

By respecting and acting on your need for rest and relaxation, you set an example for others, showing that you prioritise your well-being and they should respect it too.

A Few Final Words: Invest in Yourself

Self-care has become a bit of a buzzword in recent years, but it’s not just a trendy concept—it's an essential part of our well-being that leads to a productive, happy, and fulfilled life.

By taking time for yourself, you become the best mother, wife, employee, friend (and any other role you might be fulfilling) you can be. When your cup is full, you can pour generously, sharing joy, care, and love with those around you.

Self-care is the most productive thing you can do. They say that time is money, and in this sense, your rest is your best investment because a happy and relaxed you will move mountains!

Adriana x