By OGUNBOWALE, TOLULOPE SOBIYE

We live in a world where most people seem to be busy. People work long hours, students spend many hours reading, and parents move from one responsibility to another. In the middle of all these activities, many people forget to rest. Some even believe that resting is a sign of laziness. But is that really true? Can a car keep moving without fuel? The answer is obvious. Just as every machine needs time to cool down, every human being needs time to rest. Rest is not a waste of time; it is one of the best gifts we can give ourselves.

The first time we need rest is when our body becomes tired. After working, studying, exercising or carrying out household chores, our energy begins to reduce. We may feel weak, sleepy or find it difficult to concentrate. These are clear signs that the body needs a break. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults between the ages of 18 and 60 should sleep for at least seven hours every night to stay healthy. Good sleep gives the body enough time to recover and prepare for another day.

Our minds also need to rest. Every day, we think, plan, learn and solve different problems. After many hours of mental work, the brain becomes tired. Have you ever read the same page several times without understanding it? That often happens because the mind is exhausted. The CDC explains that getting enough sleep improves memory, attention, learning and decision-making. In other words, a well-rested mind learns faster and works better than a tired one.

Emotional rest is just as important. Life is full of challenges. People experience disappointment, grief, financial pressure and other difficult moments. Carrying these burdens every day without taking time to recover can affect both our health and our relationships. The World Health Organization (WHO) explains that stress can affect both physical and mental well-being, while good sleep helps the body recover from the effects of stress. Spending quiet time in prayer, talking to someone you trust or simply enjoying a peaceful environment can help bring emotional strength.

We need rest even before stress begins to damage our health. Sadly, many people keep pushing themselves until they become seriously ill. They ignore the warning signs because they want to finish one more task. However, a stitch in time saves nine. Taking regular breaks today can help prevent bigger health problems tomorrow. According to the CDC, getting enough sleep lowers the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Rest is not just about feeling better; it also helps us stay healthier.

Students and workers also need enough rest to perform well. Many people think that studying or working without stopping will produce better results. However, that is not always true. Let’s remember the saying that “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. A tired person is more likely to make mistakes than someone who has rested. How can we expect to give our best when our body and mind are asking for a break? Short breaks during work or study help improve concentration and allow us to return with fresh energy and clearer thinking.

It is essential to know that rest is more than sleeping. Reading a good book, taking a walk, listening to calming music, spending time with loved ones or enjoying a favourite hobby can also refresh the mind. These simple activities help us relax and regain strength for the tasks ahead.

The need for rest is greater than many people realise. The CDC reports that more than one in three adults do not get enough sleep, showing that lack of rest has become a common problem. This reminds us that rest should not be treated as an afterthought but as an important part of daily life.

To sum it up, we need rest whenever our body is tired, our mind feels overloaded or our emotions become heavy. Scientific evidence shows that proper rest improves memory, supports good health, reduces the risk of disease, and helps us manage stress. Rest does not slow us down instead, it gives us the strength to move forward. When we make rest a healthy habit, we become happier, healthier and more productive in everything we do. A season of rest is never in vain; it brings new strength to rise again.

•Ogunbowale, Tolulope Sobiye writes from Lagos.