39 | Rest *And Play* Are Requirements, Not Rewards

We all know that sleep is good for us, but it turns out that play is super good for us, too! Both are vital for healthy brain functioning – though, obviously, sleep is most important in that category. But we need both rest and play in order to live vibrant, fulfilled, and joyful lives.And we don’t have to earn them!! Rest and play are our birthrights. We are allowed to both rest AND play regardless of how “productive” we have or haven’t been!! (Yes – I’m shouting about this!)So this episode is your reminder, pep talk, and permission slip to let yourself play! To let go of the inner critic bullshit and lean into the magic that can happen when you’re just doing the thing for the sake of doing it (not to get a particular outcome). And to take whatever nap or form of relaxation you need in order to recharge.Read the transcript (and see a pictures of my spotted dick!) at: https://settlingisbullshit.com/2025/05/01/rest-and-play-are-requirements-not-rewards/Resources, References, and LinksEpisode #8: “Recharging Your Batteries” https://settlingisbullshit.com/2024/05/23/podcast-recharging-your-batteries/Tricia Hersey of The Nap Ministry. https://thenapministry.wordpress.com/Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker. A whole book on how important sleep is! (In case you need convincing). https://bookshop.org/a/109472/9781501144325Sleep hygiene! Check out Andrew Huberman’s “Toolkit for Sleep.” https://www.hubermanlab.com/newsletter/toolkit-for-sleepNational Institute for Play. https://nifplay.org/Stuart Brown – Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul. The subtitle says it all, in my opinion. https://bookshop.org/a/109472/9781583333785Huberman Lab: “Using Play to Rewire & Improve Your Brain.” https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/using-play-to-rewire-and-improve-your-brainEpisode #38: “Saying ‘Yes, And’ to Life.” https://settlingisbullshit.com/2025/04/23/saying-yes-and-to-life/Spotted Dick recipe. https://www.daringgourmet.com/traditional-spotted-dick-english-steamed-currant-pudding-with-vanilla-custard/Brene Brown – The Gifts of Imperfection. Excellent book in which Brown outlines 10 guideposts for wholehearted living. https://bookshop.org/a/109472/9781616499600Catherine Price – The Power of Fun. https://bookshop.org/a/109472/9780593241424