Rethinking Productivity: Why Rest is the Key to Doing More

Send us a text

How many times have you skipped a break because you felt guilty for resting? Or pushed through exhaustion only to feel like you're running on fumes? What if we’ve been looking at productivity all wrong?

In this episode, we're busting the biggest myths about rest and productivity—especially for working moms juggling it all. I’ll break down the science of why rest is essential, how cognitive fatigue is holding you back, and simple ways to make rest a non-negotiable part of your day (even when your schedule feels packed). Because real productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about using your energy wisely.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why rest, not hustle, is the key to getting more done.
• The science behind cognitive fatigue and how prolonged focus without breaks reduces productivity.
• How the prefrontal cortex functions and why it needs downtime to make effective decisions.
• How various types of rest—physical, mental, emotional, and sensory—help prevent burnout.
• Simple ways to integrate rest into your daily routine, even with a packed schedule.

Noteworthy Quotes from This Episode:

"If we expected kids to work all day without recess, breaks, or even a chance to go to the bathroom, we know they wouldn’t be productive—but we do this to ourselves every day."

"True productivity isn’t about squeezing every single second out of your day—it’s about using your energy wisely so you can show up fully where it matters most."

"Your prefrontal cortex needs downtime to actually function properly."

"If you’ve ever been cooking dinner, the dog is barking, the baby is crying, and the food smells like it's burning—that’s sensory fatigue in action."

Resources & Links:

✨ Last week's episode

✨ Episode with Heather Copi

✨ Harvard Business Review

✨ Book an Energy Strategy Call with me – let’s create a plan that fits your life! https://calendly.com/siobhan-everwellcoaching/30min

 ✨ Join the Everwell Mama Instagram Community for daily energy tips: @everwellcoaching

Connect with Siobhan:

• Tired of being tired? Go from “Too Tired” to “Ready for Anything” with Siobhan’s 21 Energy Hacks
• Book a free Energy Strategy Call 
• Instagram: @everwellcoaching
• Website: everwellcoaching.com 

About Siobhan Bingham

Siobhan Bingham coaches tired working moms to boost their energy to show up better for their kids, their partner, their work, and themselves. Using her ALIGN framework, she provides personalized strategies to break free from exhaustion and create a daily rhythm that works with your life—not against it.