The Healing Power of Rest: Why Rest is Essential for Your Health

Like many people, I have been caught in the trap that many people do, feeling guilty taking time to rest and recharge. I have previously lived my life feeling like a  hamster running in a wheel, unable to stop, moving at a pace that is unsustainable without the chance to breathe.

Living life in this way, chasing the end of my errands, constantly trying to deliver at work and show up the best way I could for my family left me a frazzled mess, lacking energy, focus, patience and the ability to enjoy anything I was doing. 

My reasons for not stopping were similar to the reasons that I often hear from my clients and friends. 

Common reasons people feel like they can’t take the time to res:t

• Cultural and Societal Pressure

Often being seen as ‘busy’ can be equated with being ‘productive’. Taking the time to rest can make people feel guilty because they've been conditioned to believe that they should always be working or accomplishing something.

• Work ethic

Some individuals have a strong work ethic that compels them to be constantly productive. They may feel guilty when they rest because they associate it with laziness or a lack of dedication to their work or goals.

It can be difficult for people to accept and acknowledge the positive effect that rest can have on productivity and focus. Instead, in today’s fast paced world, there is often a fear of falling behind in work, life, family or social circles.

• Rest can be seen as a luxury or self-indulgence

Rest is often viewed as a form of self-indulgence. This can lead people to feel guilty taking the time to rest because they think they should be prioritising others or being selfless rather than taking time for themselves.

• Unrealistic expectations

Some individuals set extremely high standards for themselves, expecting to accomplish a vast amount in a short time. When they rest, they may feel guilty because they perceive it as not measuring up to their own demanding expectations.

When I first started taking time to rest and recharge, I felt like I shouldn’t ‘need’ the time because I should have the energy, focus and determination to push through the day, making the most of every minute. Needing to take a break felt like a weakness rather than a necessary rest.

Rest plays an important role in maintaining physical and mental health, as well as in promoting long-term productivity and wellbeing. Reducing guilt associated with rest often involves challenging these societal and personal beliefs and understanding that rest is an essential part of a balanced and healthy life.

Rest is crucial for several reasons, and it plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and wellbeing.  

Here are 10 reasons why we need to rest:

• Physical Recovery:

Rest allows the body to recover and repair itself. During rest, various physiological processes take place, such as tissue repair, muscle growth, and the release of hormones that promote healing and growth.

Adequate rest is essential for maintaining physical health and preventing injuries.

• Mental Clarity and Focus:

Rest is essential for maintaining cognitive function. It helps improve concentration, problem-solving abilities, and decision-making.

Without enough rest, mental fatigue can set in, leading to decreased productivity and increased errors.

• Emotional Well-Being:

Rest is closely tied to emotional health. It provides an opportunity to process emotions, reduce stress, and regulate mood.

Lack of rest can lead to emotional exhaustion, irritability, and increased susceptibility to mood disorders like anxiety and depression.

• Stress Reduction:

Rest is a natural stress reliever. When you rest, stress hormones like cortisol decrease, and the body's relaxation response is activated. This helps reduce the physical and mental toll of chronic stress.

• Memory Consolidation:

During sleep, particularly during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, the brain consolidates and organizes information gathered during waking hours. This process is crucial for learning and memory retention.

• Immune System Support:

Rest is essential for a well-functioning immune system. During deep sleep, the body produces cytokines, proteins that play a role in fighting infections and inflammation.

Chronic sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses.

• Energy Replenishment:

Rest restores energy levels by replenishing glycogen stores in muscles and providing a break for the cardiovascular system. This, in turn, helps maintain physical stamina and endurance.

• Creativity and Problem-Solving:

Rest can foster creativity and improve problem-solving abilities. It allows the brain to make new connections and insights, which can be beneficial in various aspects of life, including work and personal projects.

• Hormonal Balance:

Adequate rest helps maintain hormonal balance, including hormones related to hunger and appetite. Sleep deprivation can disrupt these hormones, leading to weight gain and metabolic issues.

• Overall Well-Being:

Rest contributes to an overall sense of well-being and quality of life. It helps individuals feel refreshed, rejuvenated, and better prepared to face the challenges of the day.

Types of Rest

We often hear about the importance of rest, both prioritising getting quality sleep and taking breaks to rest during the day.

Rest is defined as ‘cease work or movement in order to relax, sleep, or recover strength:’

The only time some of us may consider going to bed early to catch up on sleep is after a late night on the weekend or when we are exhausted from overdoing it. As much as this is an important time to head to bed early, making rest an essential part of your life can improve your health and wellbeing.

Rest can look different for everyone and can vary depending on your current schedule and stresses. While sleeping can give your body a break, different types of rest can allow your whole being to take a break.

Prioritising rest in your schedule can help you perform at your best physically and mentally; from being more productive and creative to increasing your concentration levels.

There are different types of rest that are important to allow yourself the chance to recover, recharge and fill your tank to feel your best mentally and physically.

Rest can be categorized into various types, each serving different purposes and benefits.

Here are some common types of rest:

From the vital role it plays in revitalising our bodies to its capacity to rejuvenate our minds, rest is an essential cornerstone of our overall health and well-being.

In a world that often glorifies constant hustle and burnout, it's crucial to remember that embracing rest is not a sign of weakness or idleness. Instead, it's a declaration of self-care, a commitment to nurturing our bodies and minds, and a pledge to a healthier, more balanced life.