What Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice/Kurban Bayramı) Reminded Me About Rest and Focus

Day 6 of 30 – The quiet productivity boost of stepping away

Author

Selim Uysal
June 06, 2025

Hi friend,

Today is Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice.

It’s one of the most important holidays in the Muslim world, rooted in reflection, gratitude, and reconnecting with family and community.

While the day carries deep spiritual meaning, it also offers something universally valuable: a reminder of how essential it is to pause, step back from the day-to-day, and be fully present with the people around us.

And while I didn’t take a complete break today (yes, the laptop opened… some emails checked), I’ve already made a decision: tomorrow will be different.

No screens.

No small tasks.

Just quality time, food, and rest.

Because while we often think of productivity as doing, it turns out that not-doing might be just as essential.

🧠 The surprising power of psychological detachment.

One of the most underrated concepts in productivity is something called psychological detachment; the ability to mentally disconnect from work when the day ends.

Not just physically shutting your laptop, but actually turning off that inner loop of task-switching, problem-solving, and mental tab-hopping.

Research consistently shows that people who detach from work experience:

  • Better focus during work hours

  • More creative thinking

  • Improved sleep

  • And significantly less burnout

It’s simple, but not easy; especially for knowledge workers who carry their work in their minds, not their hands.

🤖 Let AI Help You Step Back, With Intention

Here’s something I’ve tried lately that surprised me:

Before taking a break, I’ll ask ChatGPT to help me think through how to make it a meaningful one.

🧠 Try This Prompt:

“Based on what I’ve shared about my routines and goals, what signs suggest I might be due for a break, and what would a truly restorative day off look like for me?”

Or this:

“Give me 3 things I should avoid during my break, and 3 ideas that will help me actually reset; mentally and emotionally.”

Sometimes we use AI to accelerate.

But sometimes, it’s best used to remind us to slow down.

📬 Want more prompts like this?

→ Subscribe here: productiveknowledgeworker.com

—

Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful Eid.

Let’s keep building a smarter, more intentional way to work and rest.

Selim

—

P.S. Want to start your own newsletter?

Check out my free course at startyournewsletter.today or launch instantly with a free Beehiiv account.

—

🤝 Coaches, founders, and creators:

Not sure what to send your subscribers or how to get them in the first place?DM me “course” and I’ll show you how we can map out a 5-day sequence that converts.