Rest is not the reward you get after you've done enough. It's the foundation everything else is built on.

In this season finale, Rebecca and Meredith take on the culture of productivity, the problem with the term "self-care," and what it actually looks like to nurture yourself. Not someday, not when things calm down, but now, in whatever space you have. They share their own stories of burnout, forced slowdowns, and the practices that finally stuck.

This is also where they introduce Radical Rest Retreats, a space to do this work in community. Details can be found at https://thrivinghumans.org/retreats

20 nurturing activities to get you started are also in the show notes below.

Season 2 is coming. Thank you for being here.

20 Ways to Begin Nurturing Yourself

You don't need money, a full day, or a plan. You just need a few minutes and a willingness to try.

1. Sit outside and watch the sky for 10 minutes. Clouds, birds, light, whatever is there.
2. Make yourself a cup of something warm and drink it slowly without doing anything else.
3. Put on music you love and just listen. Not as background, but as the main event.
4. Take a walk with no destination and no podcast.
5. Write three things that felt good today, however small.
6. Lie down in the middle of the day, even for 15 minutes.
7. Pick up something you used to love doing as a child. Drawing, building, climbing, exploring.
8. Cook or bake something slowly, just for the pleasure of it.
9. Read something purely for enjoyment. Not for learning, not for work.
10. Sit with your hands in dirt, water, or sand.
11. Knit, crochet, or do something repetitive with your hands.
12. Take yourself somewhere new. A neighborhood, a park, a shop. No agenda.
13. Watch the sunrise or sunset without your phone.
14. Dance alone in your kitchen.
15. Call someone whose voice makes you feel good.
16. Spend time with an animal.
17. Lie on the floor and breathe.
18. Do absolutely nothing for five minutes and notice what comes up.
19. Look through old photos that make you smile.
20. Ask yourself: what did I love to do before life got so busy? Then do one small version of that thing.

Remember: this isn't a checklist. It's an invitation. Start with one.

Be curious. Be kind. Start with yourself.

Thriving Humans is hosted by Rebecca Thompson Hitt and Meredith Alvarado. Follow and subscribe wherever you listen.

Radical Rest Retreats are now open online. Self-directed and live group options available. Find upcoming dates and details at https://thrivinghumans.org/retreats

Podcast artwork: Visual Medicine paintings by Rebecca Thompson Hitt

Theme music composed and performed by Chris Peña · chrispenamusic.com