Because too many of us are working TOO much, and not recovering enough.
Rest
Has a different definition for everyone. Some consider resting, watching netflix, eating a snacky snack, going out with friends, gardening, working out, reading a book.
The definition of rest: cease work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength.
To STOP movement. But how can we rest when it’s so hard to sit? Sitting in a house that is screaming for us to organize, tidy, and clean it. Rest when there are a million activities to do in the world. Rest when it feels like I lose all my progress when I do?
True rest means allowing the body to recover in every sense of the way. To categorize rest as only once facet would do a disservice to the complexities of our human nature. In an overstimulated world, rest must be intentionally set. Our screens are meant to disassociate us. To cast us in a realm of infinity and plethora of information that we can’t seem to put down our phones.
So when was the last time you brought awareness to your breathing? Can you feel your breath course through you right now? Take a moment. Close your eyes. Breath in. hold. Exhale.
Notice that in these micromoments, we create a mini rest within us.
Creating bigger rest moments, and often, are what is NEEDED. You do not need more intensity, more more more. You actually need less. (yes you overachieving woman).
So what are the types of rests you can engage in?
Physical rest
- Passive: sleep, naps, lying down, early bedtime
- Active: gentle walking, stretching, yoga, mobility, foam rolling
- Prompt: “What would make my body feel 5% lighter today?”
Nervous system rest
- Downshifting practices: long exhales, humming, legs up the wall, slow showers, breathwork, NSDR/yoga nidra
- Prompt: “What signals ‘safe’ to my system right now?”
Mental rest
- Reduce cognitive load: single-tasking, brain dump list, “no new inputs” windows, timed decision-making
- Prompt: “What decision can I postpone, simplify, or delete?”
Emotional rest
- Let feelings move without fixing: journaling, voice notes, crying, therapy/coaching, naming the emotion
- Prompt: “What am I carrying that isn’t mine to manage?”
Sensory rest
- Lower stimulation: dim lights, no music/podcasts, fewer screens, quiet meals, sunglasses/hat outside
- Prompt: “What’s the loudest input I can turn down?”
Social rest
- Intentional boundaries: “no plans” nights, leaving early, limiting texting, choosing nourishing people
- Prompt: “Who drains me vs. replenishes me?”
Creative rest
- Stop producing; start receiving: museums, nature, reading for pleasure, music, beauty without posting
- Prompt: “What inspires me when I’m not trying to monetize it?”
Digital rest
- Phone-free blocks, app limits, notifications off, one “scroll window” per day, DND evenings
- Prompt: “What am I reaching for my phone to avoid feeling?”
Time/space rest (white space)
- Buffer your day: margin between tasks, slower mornings, transition rituals, one fewer commitment
- Prompt: “Where do I need more spaciousness—not more discipline?”
Spiritual/meaning rest
- Reconnect to purpose: prayer, meditation, gratitude, values check, time in nature, service
- Prompt: “What matters more than my productivity today?”
Environmental rest
- Your space supports you: tidy reset, clean sheets, candle, fresh air, declutter one surface
- Prompt: “What would make home feel like exhale?”
Relational rest (being cared for)
- Receive support: delegating, asking for help, letting someone lead, being held/listened to
- Prompt: “Where can I practice receiving instead of managing?”
I hope you enjoy all the types of rest. So that your mind, your body, and your soul can all come in alignment with each other. TO get yourself closer to your breath.
