Rest often seems to be relegated as that unattractive middle child in our busy hustle culture. We know we need sleep, but rest? It often gets the short end of the stick.
Rest and sleep are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. True rest isn’t just about sleeping—it’s about restoring your entire being—mind, body, and emotions.
I grew up in a home where rest wasn’t even on the radar. My dad believed that anything other than constant busyness was laziness, and he passed on these beliefs to my sister and me in spades.
I always felt guilty for resting, and because of that, I never really learned how to do it. Even now, I still sometimes feel like I’m “bad at relaxing.” I’m not talking about zoning out in front of Netflix, but actual, meaningful rest.
These days I’ve changed my ways. I’ve come to see rest as an essential part of my well-being. Teaching myself to slow down.
Why Intentional Rest Matters
In a world where even downtime feels like something to optimize, intentional rest practices are key. Things like listening to your body, slowing down, and making space for rest to be intentional—not just an afterthought.
Rest isn’t about stopping; it’s about replenishing.
What We’re Covering
In this post, we’ll dive into:
- What rest really is (and what it’s not)
- Why rest is essential for your well-being
- How to create more space for meaningful rest in your life
Understanding Rest: It’s More Than Sleep
Rest isn’t just about sleep—it’s a break for your entire being. While sleep is crucial, true rest means stepping away from life’s demands to quiet your mind and body, letting them recover.
In our busy, stressed lives, rest often takes a backseat. But that mindset can lead to burnout, fatigue, and mistakes. Rest isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. It boosts creativity, problem-solving, and energy. It’s an essential part of a productive day, not something to squeeze in when everything else is done.
When we’re stressed, overwhelmed, or on the go, the last thing on our minds is taking a break. The temptation is to push through and keep hustling.
Don’t wait until everything else is finished—rest is necessary, not optional.
This doesn’t mean we can’t still do hard things. It just means that we need regularly scheduled breaks, sabbaths, vacations, long walks and time off.
The best work ethic requires a good rest ethic.
A History of Resting
Studies on modern-day hunter-gatherer societies, like the Hadza in Tanzania and the San people of southern Africa, show that while they stay active, they also take plenty of rest. Their daily routines include frequent breaks, midday naps, and social downtime—very different from our hustle culture.
This isn’t just about preference—it’s about design. Our ancestors thrived with this balance, and our bodies are wired the same way. We are meant to rest, recharge, and reconnect. It’s in our DNA.
We are designed to take breaks and rest.
How Rest Impacts Stress
Stress activates your body’s “fight-or-flight” response, releasing cortisol and adrenaline. When this response is chronically activated, it can wreak havoc on your health—leading to high blood pressure, anxiety, and insomnia.
Rest is the antidote. It activates your parasympathetic nervous system (aka the “rest-and-digest” system), which helps lower heart rate, reduce blood pressure, and restore hormonal balance.
Rest = Stress Relief.
The Science Behind Why You Need Rest
Rest isn’t something we can afford to skip—it’s essential for our well-being. When we rest properly, we become:
- More creative
- Better problem solvers
- More focused
- Emotionally balanced
- Physically rejuvenated
8 Ways to Make More Space for Rest
Rest isn’t something you can just schedule for the weekend. True rest requires intentionality. Here are 8 practical ways to weave rest into your daily life:
- Plan Intentional Breaks
Include deliberate rest periods in your daily schedule. When planning your day, be sure to include breaks, even if only for a few minutes. - Connect with Nature
Spend time outdoors, especially in the morning light. This can help regulate your circadian rhythm and provide a refreshing change of scenery. - Create a Restful Space
Design a dedicated area for relaxation in your home. This could be a cozy nook with cushions or a serene corner with soft lighting. - Establish Supportive Routines
Develop morning and evening rituals that promote calm. Routines can reduce the number of decisions you need to make daily, decreasing overwhelm. - Set Healthy Boundaries
Learn to say no to overcommitment. It’s important to take an internal inventory of how much work you can do before you need to rest. - Embrace Micro-Rest Moments
Take short breaks throughout your day to breathe, stretch, or simply be present. These micro-rest moments can be incredibly revitalizing. - Practice Mindful Movement
Incorporate gentle yoga or walking into your routine. Even a 10-minute walk or some stretches before bed can be beneficial. - Use Guided Relaxation
Try practices like Yoga Nidra to induce deep rest. These techniques can help soothe your nervous system and leave you feeling refreshed.
By intentionally creating space for rest throughout your day, you can significantly reduce stress and enhance your overall well-being.
The Right Kind of Rest
Rest isn’t just about doing nothing. Ironically, light activity can boost energy levels more effectively than complete rest.
Active rest often involves light activity that refreshes your mind and body without exhausting them. Gentle movement like walking, stretching, or engaging in a creative hobby helps you detach from stress, boosts circulation, and enhances emotional well-being. It’s about replenishing energy, not just conserving it.
BUT it can also be reading in a park, having coffee with a friend, or getting a massage.
The key? There’s no one-size-fits-all. Rest looks different for everyone, so find what works best for you.
Rest isn’t about stopping; it’s about recharging.
The Power of Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR)
Ever heard of NSDR? Dr. Andrew Huberman recommends at least one 10-30 minute session of Non-Sleep Deep Rest each day. It mimics the benefits of deep sleep but without actually falling asleep, helping calm your nervous system and promoting deep relaxation—especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed or mentally fatigued.
If you’re looking to incorporate more rest into your day, consider adding NSDR into your routine. It doesn’t require hours of downtime; just a few minutes of deep, focused relaxation can do wonders for your energy levels and mental clarity.
Rest Is a Skill
Like any skill, learning to rest takes practice. You may not get it “right” immediately, and that’s okay. The key is to approach rest with intention and curiosity, experimenting to find what works best for you.
Bundle Different Types of Rest
You can broaden your rest time by combining different types of rest. Visit an art gallery with calming music (creative, sensory, and emotional rest) or volunteer (mental and spiritual rest). Mixing rest styles leaves you feeling truly rejuvenated and fulfilled.
Rest Early and Often
Don’t wait until you’re completely drained to start filling your tank. To avoid the all-too-familiar overwhelm, plan short breaks throughout the day and schedule longer breaks—like a weekend getaway or a mental health day.
And don’t forget to leave a buffer between meetings and activities so you’re not running on empty.
Rest isn’t a one-time fix—it’s an ongoing practice.
Rest as a Radical Act
In a world that constantly demands more, choosing to rest is a powerful statement. It’s about recognizing your inherent worth beyond productivity, listening to your body’s needs, and creating space for genuine renewal.
Whether that’s a quiet moment in nature, a creative pursuit, or simply being present, rest is a personal journey of self-care and healing.
Rest isn’t about doing nothing—it’s about doing what truly restores you.
Start Small. Be Gentle. Rest.
You don’t have to overhaul your life to rest better. Start by identifying one area where you need more rest and take a small step today. Remember, it’s not about doing it all at once—it’s about doing something today that will help you feel better tomorrow.
Start small. Be gentle with yourself.
Remember, rest isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Give yourself permission to rest and see how it transforms your life.
What About You?
Do you find it hard to rest without feeling guilty? What’s your favourite way to recharge?
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