Take a Breath: The Divine Art of Rest and Renewal
In today’s fast-paced world, we’ve been taught to wear exhaustion like a badge of honor. Productivity is praised, but the importance of rest is often overlooked. Yet true renewal which is of the mind, body, and spirit, in reality begins when we pause. We usually feel guilty if we give ourselves a moment to relax. I know, I am guilty of this. I can find myself sitting and reading a book and my thoughts tell me, “You should be more productive right now”. We must remember: Rest is not laziness; it is a proven way to restore mental health, strengthen spiritual connection, and boost overall well-being. From the very beginning, rest was part of the divine design, reminding us that slowing down is essential to thriving. It is time to renew your mind and spirit.
So I write this blog for you and me. If you’ve ever needed permission to set down your to-do list, kick back, and simply “be,” let me remind you: even God rested. The Creator of the universe, after shaping the heavens and the earth in six days, paused and declared it good. If rest was woven into creation itself, how much more vital is it for us—fragile and imperfect as we are? He gave us an example, so let us follow his lead.
The Biblical Case for Rest
Genesis 2:2-3 paints a picture of a God who valued rest so much that He blessed the seventh day and made it holy. Now, if the Almighty could set aside time for rest, surely we—mere mortals juggling emails, carpools, and grocery lists—can do the same. Somedays I feel guilty sitting around and spending time doing nothing. But we must remember resting is that very actof doing
‘nothing” but then we must shift the thought to “I am not doing nothing, I am doing something atht will make me helather by doing nothing”. Thats a thought that makes us pause. But let’s not confuse ourselves too much.
And let’s not forget Jesus. Throughout His ministry, Jesus modeled the importance of stepping away. Before He went to the cross, He retreated to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray and find solace. Even the Savior of the world understood the need to recharge, physically and spiritually. In studying how many times Jesus had to step away to find peace with His Father. I can’t begin to imaging his feeling the days before going to the cross. He could’ve done so many other things to prepare but he prioritized rest and prayer. This is a model to us on how to prepare for the difficult times ahead. We need to rest and restore our souls.
If you’re feeling guilty about carving out time to rest, let this be your gentle nudge to let go of the guilt. It’s not just okay to rest—it’s holy.
The Science of Rest and Mental Health
Now, if the spiritual side hasn’t convinced you yet, let’s talk science. Taking intentional breaks isn’t just good for the soul; it’s vital for your brain. Research shows that chronic stress can shrink the hippocampus (the part of your brain responsible for memory and learning). In other words, nonstop work might be doing you no favors. Feeling forgetful? Can’t remember why you walked into a room? Can’t remember what you needed to get at the grocery store? These sycan be symptoms of mental exhaustion.
When you rest, you’re giving your brain a chance to process information, make new connections, and improve problem-solving skills. Your brain needs this time. Plus, relaxation can lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety, and improve overall mood. Cortisol is a hormone I teach my patients about because it is so important. We must find time to take care of our bodies. So go ahead and take that nap, read that book, or binge-watch that series. It’s good for your mental health!
A Day of Rest: Your Workweek’s Secret Weapon
Think of a day of rest as the ultimate secret weapon for conquering the workweek. It’s like hitting the reset button for your spirit. When you take time to refresh, you come back stronger, more focused, and ready to tackle whatever life throws your way. I love spending time with God,or and on Sundays I go to church. I describe these days my reset day. My spirit was running close to empty and I refueled for the week. What does it for you? A walk in the mountains, by the beacas h, time with family? Whatever it is, take a break and do it.
Imagine starting your week with a calm mind and a renewed spirit instead of dragging yourself into Monday like you’ve just survived a zombie apocalypse. Sounds pretty great, right?
5 Ideas to Craft Your Perfect Rest Day
Rest looks different for everyone, and that’s the beauty of it. Here are some ideas to help you find what works for you:
- Unplug: Step away from screens for a while. Yes, this includes your phone (gasp!).
- Get Outside: Take a walk, sit under a tree, or just soak up some sunshine. Nature has a way of reminding us to slow down.
- Connect with God: Use the time to pray, meditate, or read scripture. It’s a beautiful way to center yourself.
- Do What Brings You Joy: Whether it’s painting, cooking, or lounging in your comfiest sweatpants, do something that makes your heart happy.
- Rest Without Guilt: This might be the hardest part, but rest assured (pun intended), you have permission to let go of the guilt.
Finding Joy in Rest
If you’re still not sold on taking a day off, think of it this way: rest is like a good sense of humor, completely underrated yet absolutely essential. Just like you wouldn’t skip dessert, don’t skip your day of rest. Trust me, the work will still be there tomorrow, but today is your chance to breathe, to laugh, to reconnect with what matters most.
Final Thoughts
Rest isn’t just about taking a break from work; it’s about stepping into a rhythm that God designed for us. By dedicating a day to recharge, you’re not just refreshing your mind and body—you’re honoring a divine principle and setting yourself up for a week filled with purpose and clarity.
So go ahead, reclaim your rest day. Put up a “Do Not Disturb” sign, let the laundry wait, and savor the gift of rest. Your future self (and your brain) will thank you.
For more resources on mental health and spiritual well-being, check out these links:
- Mental Health Foundation: https://www.mentalhealth.org
- Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com
- Simple Steps to Spiritual Renewal: https://www.simplesteps.com/spiritualrenewal
Here’s to rest, renewal, and a whole lot of peace. You’ve earned it.
