We need to reframe what rest means, especially as women, in this crazy world we’re living in, in times that are often challenging.
Rest is not something we do once the list is done. It’s not a reward after you’ve ticked off every task. Rest is not indulgence or laziness. It is an essential part of life, as necessary as eating well, moving your body, or sleeping deeply.
And yes, rest is not the same as sleep.
Think about birth for a moment. If you’ve experienced a natural or physiological birth, you may remember the waves of surges/ contractions / expansions. Between them, there was space. A pause. A rest. That moment in between is more than just recovery. It’s a blissful surrender, a place of being held, a letting go into something greater than yourself. That is the rest I’m talking about.
Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, researcher and author, reminds us that there are seven different types of rest, each with its own purpose.
Physical rest – Releasing tension, restoring the body’s energy, allowing the muscles to soften. This can be passive (naps, stillness, massage) or active (yoga, stretching, breathing).
Mental rest – Quieting the racing thoughts, stepping away from constant planning and problem-solving.
Emotional rest – Having safe spaces where you can express feelings honestly, without having to hold everything together.
Social rest – Choosing nourishing connections and taking distance from relationships that drain you.
Sensory rest – Giving your nervous system a break from screens, noise, bright lights, and stimulation.
Creative rest – Refreshing your imagination and wonder by being in beauty, nature, or art.
Spiritual rest – Finding a sense of belonging, connection, and surrender beyond yourself.
When we neglect these other forms of rest, no amount of sleep will make us feel restored.
One of my favourite practices for physical and mental rest is the Alexander Technique’s constructive rest. It’s simple, powerful, and deeply restorative. All you need is a floor, a small stack of books under your head, and 10–15 minutes of being. I’ll link a short video here so you can explore it for yourself.This gentle position helps your spine decompress, your muscles soften, and your nervous system settle. It’s one of the easiest ways to give yourself rest in the middle of a busy day.
So perhaps today, instead of pushing harder, give yourself permission to give yourself the gift of rest.
Not as an afterthought.
Not as a luxury.
But as a vital part of being fully alive.
Here is how to.
Rest more than is reasonable x