Antonyms for the phrase "exert oneself" may include words such as relax, laze, loaf, rest, and idle. Each of these words suggests a lack of effort, movement, or action. While exerting oneself can imply productivity, hard work, or a demanding task, antonyms suggest the opposite. The word relax, for example, indicates a state of comfort, ease, and calmness, whereas exerting oneself suggests a state of tension and exertion. Similarly, lazing and loafing imply being at rest and taking it easy, whereas exerting oneself suggests going above and beyond. In summary, antonyms for exerting oneself suggest a state of rest, ease, and relaxation.