💤 The Rest You Need: Why Recovery Isn’t a Luxury
We often talk about health in terms of exercise, nutrition, and discipline — but rarely do we give rest the credit it deserves. We often think of rest as something we get around to — when the work’s done, the house is clean, or we’ve “earned it.”
In a world that glorifies busy-ness, rest can feel indulgent.
But without it, everything else — from your strength and mobility to your stress levels and immune system — begins to falter.
So, before we dive into strength, flexibility, or mobility in future months, we’re starting here.
Because rest isn’t the reward — it’s the foundation.
🧠 What Is Rest, Really?
When we think of rest, most people think of sleep. But rest is broader and more nuanced. It includes:
Physical rest: letting the body recover from activity
Mental rest: giving the brain a pause from problem solving, decision-making and information
Sensory rest: stepping away from screens, noise, and bright lights
Emotional rest: space where you don’t have to hold it together for others
Rest is what allows us to reset, the muscles to build, and the mind to make sense of the day.
It's how we recharge, not just physically — but emotionally and cognitively too.
😵💫 Why Is It So Hard to Rest?
Modern life doesn’t make rest easy. We live in a culture that values doing, a world that rewards productivity and hustle. Slowing down can feel lazy or even anxiety inducing. Messages like
“Rest is for the weak.”
“Push through it.”
On top of that, many people have full plates — work, family, social obligations — and don’t feel like there’s time to rest.
And for others, slowing down is uncomfortable. Stillness can bring up feelings we’ve been avoiding.
But here’s the truth: we aren’t built to go full speed all the time. without rest, everything gets harder — movement, decision-making, digestion, immunity, patience.
🌙 Why Sleep Matters (and What Happens When We Don’t Get It)
Of all forms of rest, sleep might be the most essential.
Sleep isn’t just a luxury — it’s a physiological requirement. During sleep:
Your body repairs tissues and builds muscle
Your brain consolidates memories and emotions
Your immune system recalibrates
Hormones that control appetite, mood, and recovery are balanced
Poor sleep has been linked to:
Chronic pain
Weight gain
Anxiety and depression
Poor focus and memory
Increased risk of illness
That’s why if you're trying to feel better, get stronger, or just cope better with life — start with sleep.
Because you can’t build on an empty tank.
👉 See our free Sleeping Better sheet for some simple ways to start improving yours.
💬 But What If I “Can’t” Rest?
A lot of people say they want to rest but struggle with:
A racing mind
Guilt for doing nothing
Trouble switching off
Poor quality sleep despite feeling exhausted
Here are a few gentle reframes that might help:
You don’t have to earn rest. Rest is not a luxury for the burnt out It’s a normal, necessary human rhythm!
Rest doesn’t have to mean doing nothing — it might mean doing something slower, quieter, or softer.
If nothing else try to find some micro-moments
Turn your face to the sun for 5 minutes.
Stretch on the floor for 10
Let one thing go from your to-do list today.
Understand it really can be your secret weapon for feeling better — and doing more — in the long run.
🔁 Active vs. Passive Rest
There’s more than one way to rest.
In fact, balancing active and passive rest is often what helps most:
Passive rest might be:
Sleeping
Lying down
Doing nothing
Gentle breathing
Active rest might include:
Stretching
Walking in nature
Creative hobbies (gardening, art)
Journaling or reflective writing
It doesn’t have to be about doing nothing. It’s about choosing not to push all the time.
Choose what works for your energy level, personality, and schedule.
A short walk may energise one person and deplete another. Pay attention to what works for you.
🧭 Why This Comes First
Well, we believe in supporting the whole person.
That’s why rest — not exercise — is the first pillar of our Movement Trail this autumn.
You can’t train, lift, stretch or strengthen well if your body is running on stress hormones and sheer willpower.
Rest allows everything else to work better — your muscles, your digestion, your decision-making, and even your motivation to move.
💡 Your Challenge This Month
If you’re feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, or stuck — the best place to start might be sleep.
It might be saying no and finding some space.
👣 What Rest Could Look Like This Week
What’s one small way you could build in more rest this week?
And if you’re reading this thinking,
“But I don’t have time to rest!”
— I hear you. I’ve been there too.
Well that might be your cue to take a look at this month’s Thought Trail where we’re asking:
📎 In the Lodge This Month:
