359. Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want with Courtney Carver
Feb 18, 2025
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Courtney Carver, author of "Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want," dives into the essentials of simplicity and rest. She shares her journey towards wellness following a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, highlighting the power of 'radical gratitude.' The discussion reveals the importance of prioritizing rest and the joy of 'Little Saturdays' to combat stress. Together, they explore personal rituals that promote mindfulness, and the concept of a 'circle of care' to help listeners focus on what truly matters in life.
Prioritizing rest is essential for self-care and productivity, enabling individuals to tackle challenges with renewed energy and clarity.
Incorporating rituals like 'Little Saturdays' fosters joy and balance in daily life, helping to alleviate routine pressures and enhance well-being.
Deep dives
The Value of Simplification
Simplification plays a crucial role in reducing stress and enhancing well-being. The guest, Courtney Carver, defines simplification as an art and an obsession, emphasizing its impact on her life after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This diagnosis prompted her to reassess her priorities and eliminate unnecessary complexities. By focusing on meaningful changes and letting go of the overwhelming, she found the clarity needed to create a life that aligns with her true desires.
Prioritizing Rest as a Foundation
Rest is highlighted as the most vital component of self-care and productivity. Carver emphasizes that before attempting to declutter or tackle any challenges, individuals must first prioritize restful practices. This approach recognizes that many who seek help often do so from a place of exhaustion and depletion. By allowing oneself to rest—whether through short breaks scheduled into the day or cultivating restful environments—one can recharge and approach life’s demands with renewed energy.
Establishing Little Saturdays
The concept of 'Little Saturdays' introduces a midweek break for joy and relaxation. This practice encourages individuals to intentionally carve time out of their busy schedules to engage in enjoyable activities, similar to how one might spend a weekend. By redefining weekdays to include such joyful rituals, individuals can alleviate the routine pressures of everyday life. This approach fosters a balance between productivity and personal happiness by ensuring moments of reprieve throughout the week.
Creating Boundaries with a Care Circle
Establishing a care circle empowers individuals to protect their time and energy by defining what is truly important to them. Carver suggests visualizing a circle wherein only a few vital responsibilities are allowed, promoting focus on what genuinely matters. This method both reframes one's perspective on responsibilities and reinforces the importance of self-care. By deliberately selecting what to prioritize, individuals can better manage their time and emotional investment, allowing for a more fulfilling and less overwhelming life.
Greg speaks with Courtney Carver, author of the upcoming book "Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want," exploring practices for simplicity and rest in a complex world. They discuss the crucial concept of resting first, creating personal rituals like Little Saturday, and using the metaphor of a circle to prioritize what is truly sacred. They also explore cultivating radical gratitude, managing emotions with poise, and gently navigating life’s pressures. Discover practical steps to protect your peace and enhance well-being.