Why Rest is the Secret to Your Best Work and Why We Fight Against it

Studio Notes

1. **IMPORTANT** Emerging Artist Applications open today! Click here to apply!

2. What I’m Thinking About: The LA Fires. I️ don’t need to explain the horror of the destruction, because I️ am sure all of you are aware, but my heart goes out to all of those affected. I️ want to remind all of you that there are many ways you can support — a small donation, bringing awareness, or even sending prayers. In just the past 6 months we have seen hurricanes, fires, and more devastate our fellow Americans. I️ want to highlight the importance of community — Lean on each other. Support when you can. See the good in those around you. Appreciate your beautiful life and all that you have.

   * I️ do have a good friend in the LA area and she has been sending me small funds to support. If you are looking for boots on the ground ideas, feel free to send me a message.

3. What I’m Listening to: My January Studio Playlist. This week, I’m feeling oldies.

4. What I’m Reading: A random read that came across my desk, maybe it’ll inspire more organization in the studio.

5. PSA: Tuckernuck Sample Sale Ends Tomorrow! Shop my favorites here or shop the full sale here.

6. What I’m Into:

   1. These perfect winter gloves (I️ love the moss color). Why did it take me 29 years to learn that I️ love (and need) gloves?

      

   2. The Yuka app - thank you Meg Indy for bringing this to my attention. I️ have been scanning labels left and right and trying to become more “clean” in 2025.

   3. My new favorite cookbook. Yes, I️ made these and they actually look pretty and taste good. Y’all I am not a baker, but I️ might become one with this new book. Watch me make them here in my new vlog.

      

   4. This Framebridge collab with Chris Loves Julia. I️ particularly love this set.

      

7. Hayley’s Book Club: I️ just started this read and I’m already in deep. It really makes you think about the beauty in just every day conversation and connection. If you need a fiction book, this is the perfect page-turner.

   This Substack contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase—thank you for your support!

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Hello Creatives,

Let’s chat about something I️ personally know we all need but I often resist: rest.

If you know me, you know I’m no stranger to hustle culture. But over the past few months, life has reminded me (quite forcefully) that rest isn’t optional—it’s essential.

First, my wedding gave me a planned, intentional pause. It was the perfect opportunity to step back, be present, and recharge. Then, in an unexpected twist, getting sick in the first week of the year created an unplanned rest period. While it disrupted my plans, it also forced me to slow down and reflect.

Here’s what I’ve realized: Rest isn’t just about relaxation. It’s about creating space to do your best work. Studies show that:

• Willpower is finite. Like a muscle, it gets depleted and needs time to recover.

• Decision fatigue is real. The more decisions we make, the worse they become over time.

• Rest fuels creativity. Downtime gives our brains the opportunity to process, problem-solve, and innovate.

Instead of fighting these limits, what if we leaned into them? What if we stopped glorifying constant productivity and embraced rest as a critical part of the creative process?

Sounds great, right? But how I️ am actually implementing rest without giving up on my goals? Keep reading to learn more.