Unlearning Productivity Guilt: Rest Regulates the Neurodivergent Nervous System!

If you grew up believing that rest had to be “earned,” you’re not alone. Many of us internalized the idea that value comes from doing. For all humans, and especially neurodivergent humans, constant motion often leads to dysregulation, burnout, and a deep disconnection from our bodies.

Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a regulatory tool. When we pause, we give the nervous system space to process sensory input, emotions, and energy levels that have been running on overdrive. True rest allows the brain to integrate experiences, the body to release tension, and creativity to quietly return.

Rest can look different for everyone:

• A quiet morning with no demands

• Rocking on the porch with a warm drink

• Hyperfocusing on a comforting hobby or special interest

• Letting yourself nap without justification

• Doing absolutely nothing on purpose

Scientifically, there is a lot of data to support the idea of rest in both nervous system regulation and learning outcomes. A study from the University of Konstanz in Germany found that just 10 minutes of rest significantly increased heart rate variability (HRV), indicating activation of the parasympathetic nervous system (which helps the body relax) and reduced subjective stress.

In a study of people with ADHD, after listening to a story, participants did either 15 minutes of rest or a distractor task. The rest period led to better memory consolidation the next day, similar to neurotypical controls. This suggests rest supports cognitive regulation in ADHD. 

This season invites us to redefine productivity not as how much we do, but how well we feel while doing it. This month, we invite you to answer this reflective prompt either on your own as a caregiver, or alongside your child: What is your favorite type of rest?