Rest is a necessity for a strong, healthy body, a peaceful mind, and a vibrant spirit. When we cultivate a rhythm of rest — woven through our daily, weekly, and monthly routines — we not only improve our sleep patterns, but we nourish every dimension of our wellbeing.
Daily Rest: Beyond Sleep
Good sleep habits are essential. Experts recommend 7-9 hours of sleep for adults to allow the body to repair, the brain to process information, and our emotional balance to reset. But rest isn’t just about those nighttime hours.
Daily rest also means creating small pockets of refreshing relaxation throughout your day. This could be:
Five minutes of quiet breathing in the morning
A slow walk outdoors at lunchtime
A few minutes of stretching before bed
These mini-rest times help lower stress hormones, sharpen focus, and keep burnout at bay. They signal to our body that it’s safe to slow down — and that makes falling asleep at night easier too.
Daily rhythms of rest help us relinquish the hurry and hustle of a daily pace that threatens our peace of mind and physical well-being.
Weekly Rest: The Power of Sabbath
One of the most profound ways to practice weekly rest is to embrace the idea of a Sabbath. At its simplest, Sabbath means a day set apart — a sacred pause from work, chores, and the constant striving of daily life.
You don’t have to follow a specific tradition to benefit from Sabbath rest. The key is to set aside one day each week to:
Step away from work and busyness
Enjoy restorative activities that feed your soul (nature walks, worship, time with loved ones)
Let your mind, body, and spirit breathe
👉 Why is this so important?
Sabbath reminds us that we are more than what we produce. It helps us reconnect with our purpose, renew our energy, and live from a place of peace rather than pressure. Research shows that intentional rest days improve heart health, reduce anxiety, and even enhance creativity.
Worship and Sabbath offer a sacred pause in our weekly rhythm of rest — restoring our hearts, renewing our purpose, and reminding us that true strength comes from God’s presence, not constant striving.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
Monthly Rest: A Time to Recharge More Deeply
While daily moments and weekly pauses are powerful, monthly rest routines allow us to go deeper. This might look like:
Taking a full day for yourself to engage in a favorite hobby, explore nature, or simply be still
Planning a weekend getaway with family or friends focused on joy, connection, and renewal
These larger breaks help reset your rhythms, break the cycle of chronic stress, and give you something to look forward to. They remind us that life is about being as much as doing.
We recently took a day to recharge on our way home from an appointment in St. John's. We hit the East Coast Trail in Chance Cove and the result was refreshing! We felt recharged and rejuvenated just by unplugging from the mundane and plugging into a simple rhythm of rest.
It has motivated us to become more intentional in making monthly "get away" plans. It doesn't have to be extraordinary. Just implement simple activities that fill your bucket and not empty your pocket!
The Ripple Effect:
How Rest Benefits Every Area of Life
When we establish these layers of rest — daily moments, weekly Sabbath, and monthly renewal — the benefits go far beyond better sleep.
You’ll likely notice:
✅ More stable mood and reduced anxiety
✅ Improved focus and mental clarity
✅ Better immune function and lower inflammation
✅ Deeper, more refreshing sleep
✅ Stronger relationships as you become more present and less drained
✅ A greater sense of purpose and connection to what truly matters
Begin Your Rhythm of Rest
One day while walking the dog I felt tired and hot. I took 10 minutes from my task to simply sit by the brook and soak my feet in the water. It was such a very enjoyable experience and pleasant memory. It helped the rest of my day as well.
Start small:
Identify one 5-minute rest practice to try today.
Look at your week — where can you protect a full day or even half a day as your Sabbath?
Plan one fun, refreshing outing or day trip this month that nourishes you.
Remember: Rest is not a reward for working hard. It’s fuel for living well. By embracing a rhythm of rest, you’ll not only sleep better — you’ll flourish in every area of life.
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