The Art of Rest

Rest is not a reward. It's a requirement.

I used to wear my exhaustion like a badge of honor. Busy meant important. Tired meant productive. Rest felt lazy.

Until my body forced me to stop.

The truth is, we can't pour from an empty cup. We can't show up for others if we haven't shown up for ourselves. Rest isn't selfish—it's the foundation of everything else.

Here's how to build restoration into your life, even when it feels impossible.

Why We Struggle to Rest

Our culture glorifies hustle. We're taught that our worth equals our productivity. Resting feels like we're falling behind, being lazy, or missing out.

But here's what no one tells you: rest isn't the opposite of productivity. It's what makes productivity possible.

Your body and mind need time to recover, repair, and recharge. Without it, you're running on fumes—and eventually, you'll burn out.

I learned this the hard way. Maybe you're learning it now too.

Different Types of Rest (Yes, There's More Than One)

Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith identifies seven types of rest we all need. Understanding them can help you identify what you're really craving.

Physical Rest:

• Sleep (obviously)

• Naps

• Gentle stretching

• Massage

• Lying down

Mental Rest:

• Breaks from decision-making

• Time away from screens

• Meditation

• Letting your mind wander

• Not having to "be on"

Emotional Rest:

• Saying no without guilt

• Being authentic

• Having space to feel your feelings

• Talking to someone who truly listens

Social Rest:

• Time alone

• Saying no to social obligations

• Being with people who energize (not drain) you

• Setting boundaries

Creative Rest:

• Experiencing beauty (nature, art, music)

• Being inspired without having to create

• Appreciating rather than producing

Sensory Rest:

• Quiet

• Dim lighting

• Reducing screen time

• Minimizing noise

• Simplifying your environment

Spiritual Rest:

• Connection to something bigger than yourself

• Prayer or meditation

• Time in nature

• Purpose and meaning

What type of rest do you need most right now?

Simple Ways to Restore Daily

You don't need a spa day or a vacation (though those are nice). You can restore yourself in small, intentional ways every single day.

Morning Restoration:

• Wake up 15 minutes earlier just for you

• Drink your coffee or tea without multitasking

• Stretch gently before starting your day

• Look out the window and just breathe

Midday Restoration:

• Take an actual lunch break (away from your desk)

• Go for a short walk outside

• Close your eyes for 5 minutes

• Do nothing—literally, just sit

Evening Restoration:

• Create a "power down" routine 30 minutes before bed

• Take a warm bath or shower

• Read something that isn't work-related

• Journal or do gentle stretching

• Dim the lights and put your phone away

The Non-Negotiables for Better Rest

If you struggle with sleep or feeling rested, start here:

Protect your sleep:

• Same bedtime every night (yes, weekends too)

• No screens 30 minutes before bed

• Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet

• Invest in comfortable bedding (you spend a third of your life in bed!)

Create boundaries:

• Learn to say no

• Don't check email after a certain time

• Set "do not disturb" hours

• Protect your weekends

Schedule rest:

• Put it in your calendar like any other appointment

• Treat it as non-negotiable

• Don't apologize for needing it

Listen to your body:

• Tired? Rest, don't push through

• Overwhelmed? Take a break

• Sick? Actually rest (don't try to power through)

My Restoration Rituals

Every evening at 8 PM, my phone goes on "do not disturb." That's my signal that the work day is done, and it's time to restore.

I make a cup of chamomile tea, light a candle, and either read, take a bath, or do gentle yoga. Nothing productive, nothing urgent—just quiet time for me.

On Sundays, I do absolutely nothing productive. No emails, no errands, no "should-dos." Just rest, leisure, and whatever feels good.

It took me a long time to give myself permission to rest without guilt. Now, I protect these rituals fiercely because I know they're what keep me going.

Tools That Enhance My Rest

These products have transformed my restoration practice from occasional to essential:

Oura Ring 4

Understanding my sleep changed everything. My Oura Ring tracks my sleep stages, heart rate variability, and readiness each morning. Seeing the data made me realize how much my evening routine affects my recovery. Now I protect my sleep like my life depends on it - because it does. The insights from Oura have made rest a priority, not an afterthought.

[Shop the Oura Ring 4](https://amzn.to/3WMXQH1)

Alaska Bear Silk Pillowcase Set

Switching to silk pillowcases was one of the best investments I've made for better sleep. They're cooler, gentler on skin and hair, and make bedtime feel luxurious. Quality sleep is the foundation of restoration.

[Shop Alaska Bear Silk Pillowcases](https://amzn.to/4qMuaau)

Nodpod Weighted Sleep Mask

When I really need deep rest, my weighted sleep mask is non-negotiable. The gentle pressure helps me fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, even when my mind is racing.

[Shop the Nodpod Sleep Mask](https://amzn.to/49rTxZh)

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

I spray lavender on my pillow every night as part of my wind-down routine. The scent signals to my brain that it's time to rest. It's become a powerful sleep anchor.

[Shop This Works Pillow Spray](https://amzn.to/49E8QOj)

Royal Craft Wood Bamboo Bath Caddy

My Sunday bath ritual wouldn't be the same without my bamboo bath caddy. It holds my book, tea, and candle, making bath time truly restorative instead of rushed.

[Shop the Bath Caddy](https://amzn.to/4ouf9Zo)

Permission to Rest

If you're waiting for permission to rest, here it is:

You don't have to earn rest. You don't have to be "productive enough" to deserve it. You don't have to wait until you're burned out.

Rest is your birthright. Your body needs it. Your mind needs it. Your soul needs it.

The world will keep spinning if you take a break. The emails will still be there tomorrow. The to-do list will never be fully done.

But you—you need to be okay. And that requires rest.

What would it look like to truly rest today? Not just collapse in exhaustion, but intentionally, lovingly restore yourself?

You deserve that. You need that. And it's okay to choose that.

Start small. Rest for five minutes today. Then tomorrow, rest for ten. Build it into your life one intentional moment at a time.

Your future self will thank you.

Need help creating restorative rituals? Download your free 7-Day Wellness Reset guide for daily practices that help you slow down, restore, and reconnect with yourself.