Have You Found Time for Joy and Rest Recently?

Ah, the post-holiday stretch — when the chocolate eggs have been devoured, the last of the family gatherings have wrapped up, and the inbox is filling up faster than you can say “long weekend”. Whether your Easter was filled with social events, travel, or simply a bit too much couch-and-cadbury time, now’s the perfect moment to pause and ask yourself: Have you found time for both joy and rest recently? 

This isn’t just a fluffy feel-good question. In fact, it’s a rather important one — because as life speeds back into full swing, many of us forget that well-being isn’t built on constant productivity or even constant play, but on a healthy, intentional mix of joy and rest. 

The Rest-Joy Balancing Act 

Let’s start with the basics: Joy and rest aren’t opposites. In fact, they make a brilliant pair. Joy can be loud or quiet, shared or solo, spontaneous or scheduled. Rest can be the full eight-hours-under-a-duvet variety, or as simple as five minutes of deep breathing between meetings. 

Both are essential, but modern life often nudges us toward extremes. We’re either rushing to tick every box on the to-do list or filling every spare second with social commitments and distractions. When did “busy” become the default badge of honour? 

Here’s the thing: without enough rest, even the most joyful moments can feel muted. And without enough joy, even the deepest rest can leave us feeling flat. 

The Science of Joy 

Joy isn’t just a fleeting emotion; it’s part of our psychological toolkit for resilience. Studies show that experiencing positive emotions like joy helps broaden our thinking, enhance creativity, and build social bonds. According to the Broaden-and-Build Theory (Fredrickson, 1998), joy has the power to expand our minds and create lasting resources for emotional well-being. 

So when was the last time you felt genuinely joyful? And no, mindlessly scrolling through TikTok at midnight doesn’t quite count. We’re talking about the kind of joy that makes your chest feel light, your laughter easy, and your worries temporarily irrelevant. 

Maybe it’s dancing like nobody’s watching, rediscovering a hobby, or catching up with a friend who feels like home. The key isn’t in the what, but the how: are you present in the moment, or are you mentally multitasking your way through it? 

The Psychology of Rest 

Now for the unsung hero: rest. Not just sleep, though sleep is the MVP of mental health — but true, intentional rest. 

Psychologists often speak about the nervous system’s two modes: sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest). Modern life keeps us stuck in the former, with emails pinging and social feeds buzzing at all hours. Real rest helps switch us back to parasympathetic mode, which repairs, restores, and replenishes both body and mind. 

Rest looks different for everyone. For some, it’s curling up with a book or sinking into a long bath. For others, it’s putting phones away and going for a quiet walk under open skies. The important thing is recognising that rest isn’t wasted time — it’s actually an investment in your future energy and happiness. 

Why Both Matter — Especially After Busy Seasons 

After any social or busy season — whether it’s Easter, Christmas, wedding season, or simply a spell of packed weekends — the human brain and body crave balance. 

Social interaction can be uplifting, but it can also be draining. Even extroverts need downtime. Similarly, too much downtime without intentional joy can leave us feeling isolated or restless. 

Think of your well-being like a seesaw. Joy lifts you up, rest anchors you down. Lean too heavily on one side for too long, and you’ll feel the imbalance, whether it shows up as burnout, boredom, or that nagging sense of “blah” you can’t quite shake. 

The good news? You can start rebalancing at any time. 

Small Ways to Invite More Joy and Rest Into Your Life 

Ready to check in with yourself? Here are a few light-hearted but practical ways to weave more joy and rest into your routine: 

1. Schedule Joy Like It’s a Meeting

Modern life schedules everything — from dentist appointments to Zoom calls — so why not schedule joy? Whether it’s coffee with a mate, a dance class, or an hour with your favourite video game, putting it in the diary makes it more likely to happen. 

2. Create Mini-Rest Moments

Not all rest requires a duvet and pyjamas. Micro-rests like taking five deep breaths between tasks, sitting quietly with a cup of tea, or even staring out the window for a few minutes can work wonders. 

3. Audit Your Energy, Not Just Your Time

It’s easy to look back at a week and think, “Where did all my time go?” But the better question is, “Where did my energy go?” Were there moments that recharged you or just drained you? Joy and rest both fuel the tank. 

4. Let Go of ‘Productivity Guilt’

Not every moment has to be optimised for efficiency. Rest and joy are valid uses of your time. Repeat after me: You are not a machine. 

5. Reconnect With Simple Pleasures

Often the most restorative joy comes from life’s smallest delights. A sunny afternoon, a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, a long exhale, or an unhurried conversation. Joy doesn’t need a price tag, and rest doesn’t need an excuse. 

Your Turn: The Gentle Self-Check 

So, have you found time for joy and rest recently? If your instinctive answer is “not really” — that’s okay. Life gets busy. The important part isn’t feeling guilty about it, but noticing the gap and choosing to rebalance. 

Why not take a few moments today to check in: 

• What has brought you joy this past week? 

• When have you allowed yourself to truly rest? 

• What’s one small change you can make to invite more of both into your life this week? 

Sometimes all it takes is awareness and a little intention to make a world of difference. 

Your mind isn’t meant to be in ‘go-mode’ 24/7.  

Nor is it meant to hibernate indefinitely. The sweet spot lies somewhere in the middle — where joy sparks your spirit, and rest restores your strength. Give yourself permission for both. 

If you’re finding it tricky to strike that balance on your own, CBT Professionals are here to help. Our compassionate psychologists offer practical, evidence-based strategies to support your mental health, whether you’re navigating stress, anxiety, burnout or simply seeking more balance in daily life. 

Helensvale: (07) 5551 0251
Mount Gravatt: (07) 3102 1366
Nerang: (07) 5668 3490 

Support Resources in Australia: 

• Lifeline – 13 11 14 

• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au 

• Headspace – For young people aged 12–25 | headspace.org.au 

• Black Dog Institute – blackdoginstitute.org.au 

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.