Rest - You need it to restore your life and well-being

This is not the first time that I've written about rest.  The topic resurfaced because I'm currently reading the book "Sacred Rest." I am approaching the halfway point in the book and I'm in the chapter on creative rest. The timing is ironic as I started this blog as a creative outlet but I found myself this week needing a rest from creating.

My body is tired and sore from my powerlifting meet over the weekend.  I took a couple of days where I simply walked and I got a massage.  Coach Jonathan recommended I follow the Steadfast Strength program for my "off-season" before I begin training for my next meet in August.  In the first session, I think I found muscles I never worked before!  In Crossfit, we did squatting and I focused on depth because lack of depth is what caused me to receive red flags for two of my back squats in competition.  I felt like my quads were going to implode after class. I have strength class tonight and then a a rest day.

I returned to work on Tuesday after taking a day off on Monday to catch up on chores missed during the weekend and to get the previously mentioned massage.  I am mentally drained from work after only two days. I'm grateful for another day off even though I'm off because I had dental work.  

My need for physical and mental rest grew stronger with each passing day. After pushing myself through demanding workouts and dealing with constant mental chatter, I realized I needed more than just a break from activity. I needed creative rest, time away from the noise and chaos that often fill my mind. This period of quiet allowed my thoughts to settle and my energy to recharge in ways that mere physical rest couldn’t provide.

At the same time, I realized I also needed social rest. Being around people all day, especially in a loud and lively environment, drains my energy in ways I can’t always predict. That day was especially intense. I spent hours surrounded by hundreds of people, each cheering, clapping, shouting, or locking in on their lifts. The venue was crowded, with the air thick with anticipation and excitement. Music blared loudly from speakers, pounding through the background and adding to the noise. Announcers had to speak loudly, almost yelling, just to be heard over the thumping bass and cheering crowds. Their voices bounced across the space, fighting to cut through the din and reach everyone in the stands.

After all that, the silence of my home sounded like a gift. It was a stark contrast to the chaos I’d experienced. I craved the quiet so I could finally unwind, reflect, and simply breathe without external distractions. That peaceful silence brought me a deep sense of calm, allowing my mind to relax fully. My body, too, felt the weight lift from all the stimulation and exhaustion. On that day, I realized just how much I needed to step back from social interactions, sensory overload, and constant activity. It was a reminder that rest isn’t just about sleep or sitting still. It’s about giving myself permission to disengage and find mental space that restores my energy and clears my mind.

To learn more about the different types of rest, I encourage you to read the book "Sacred Rest" as it is an excellent read with in-depth information.  I scratched the surface in the blog about The Types of Rest You Need for Optimal Well-Being.

Related to rest is self-care.  I will link to blog posts I've written about self-care.

Prioritize Your Well-Being: The Unexpected Benefits of Self-Care

Self-Care vs. Slacking and How to Tell the Difference

The Power of Rest: Why It is Not a Waste of Time

Thank you for being patient as I take some time for rest this week!

Resources:

YouVersion Bible App - Scripture Image

Ryan Robinson Blogging Tools