Marie Keutler is a psychotherapist, yoga instructor, and retreat facilitator, specializing in holistic wellness. Through therapy, yoga, and breathwork, she helps individuals shift from stress to balance. Her retreats and wellness programs are designed to inspire meaningful, lasting transformation.
In a culture driven by constant hustle, the idea of pausing may feel counterintuitive, but science tells a different story. Rest and intentional stillness are not signs of laziness; they are powerful tools for boosting creativity, decision-making, and resilience.
Challenging the productivity myth
In a world obsessed with hustle culture, pausing is often equated with laziness. Yet recent research reveals a striking paradox: intentional rest and stillness are not just beneficial but essential for peak performance, creativity, and resilience. In 2025, the most productive leaders, innovators, and changemakers won’t be those who work the longest hours; they’ll be those who master the art of slowing down.
The science of stillness: Why it works
At the heart of this counterintuitive approach lies neuroscience. The brain operates in two primary modes: focused mode, which handles active problem-solving, and default mode, responsible for reflection, creativity, and connecting disparate ideas. The default mode, often activated during rest or non-focused states, is where breakthroughs occur.
Neuroplasticity and rest: Studies show that downtime enhances neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to reorganize and form new neural connections. This is critical for learning, adaptability, and innovation.
Stress recovery: Chronic stress floods the body with cortisol, impairing cognitive function and creativity. Pausing activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the "rest and digest" mode), reducing stress and fostering a state of calm that primes the brain for high performance.
Productivity in the 21st century: Redefining success
Traditional productivity measures, such as hours worked or tasks completed, are increasingly outdated. High achievers today recognize that rest is not the enemy of ambition but its greatest ally. Consider the following:
Strategic rest for decision-making: Pausing before critical decisions enhances clarity and reduces impulsivity. Leaders who integrate this practice are better equipped to navigate complex challenges.
The creativity connection: Many of history’s greatest thinkers, including Einstein, Darwin, and Steve Jobs, credited periods of stillness for their groundbreaking ideas. Intentional downtime allows the brain to wander, fostering creativity.
Sustainable energy management: Energy, not time, is the real currency of productivity. Slowing down prevents burnout and ensures sustained performance over the long term.
Actionable tools: How to tap into the power of pausing
Slowing down is a skill that takes practice, but the rewards are worth it. Here are some approachable, science-backed ways to build intentional rest into your day:
Take small breaks: Set aside 5–10 minutes to pause during your day. Whether it’s stepping outside, sitting quietly, or taking a few deep breaths, these short breaks can help reset your focus and energy.
Say “no” more often: Protect your time by turning down unnecessary commitments. By doing less, you create more space for what truly matters.
Try breathwork: Breathing exercises, such as slow diaphragmatic breathing, can calm your nervous system almost instantly. Even a few mindful breaths can make a difference.
Spend time outside: A walk in nature, or even just sitting in a park, can lower stress hormones and clear your mind. Bonus: it often sparks creativity.
End the day with reflection: Spend 10 minutes jotting down your thoughts or reviewing your day. This simple act can help you process emotions, reduce mental clutter, and prepare for tomorrow.
These small changes can make a big difference in how you feel, think, and show up in the world.
Overcoming the psychological barriers to rest
The biggest obstacle to pausing is often internal. Fear of falling behind, guilt about doing less, and societal pressure to constantly achieve can make rest feel counterproductive. Yet science and lived experience tell a different story: those who prioritize rest often outperform those who don’t.
Reframe rest as productive: Shift your mindset to see pausing as an investment in your productivity and well-being rather than a waste of time.
Challenge the hustle narrative: Success in 2025 will be defined by quality over quantity. Prioritizing rest fits naturally with this evolving vision of success.
A call to (in)action
As we enter an era defined by complexity, the most effective tool for navigating uncertainty isn’t doing more; it’s doing less, more intentionally. Slowing down is not about stepping back from ambition but stepping into a space where your best ideas, decisions, and growth can flourish.
In 2025, let stillness be your superpower. The science is clear: pausing is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity for anyone aiming to thrive in the modern world.
Marie Keutler, Psychotherapist, Yoga Expert, and Wellness Retreat Facilitator
Marie Keutler is a psychotherapist, yoga expert, and wellness retreat facilitator dedicated to helping individuals reconnect with their minds and bodies. She combines evidence-based therapy, yoga, and breathwork to create accessible, science-backed tools for stress relief and well-being. Marie’s innovative programs, including the Pocket Reset Toolkit and Overdrive to Balance, provide practical self-care practices for busy lives. She also hosts transformational retreats in Greece, Portugal, and Africa, offering immersive experiences to foster deep healing and connection.
