How Rest Helps Your Body and Mind Heal

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Rest is one of the most important things you can do for yourself, both physically and mentally. However, it is also one that many people believe is unproductive. Many people feel lazy, bored, or like they are wasting their time “doing nothing.” This may create feelings of guilt, ruining your mood. This upcoming holiday season, it is very important that everyone takes a break from their responsibilities. It is essential to understand the benefits of well-earned rest and rejuvenation, and to take advantage of opportunities to do so.

Rest can feel unproductive for a number of reasons. In countries like the United States, work is often put above mental health and relaxation. Many people work grueling, 8-hour workdays where they sit at a desk for the majority of the time. Others who have more work freedom are still bound to hustle culture and the pressure to be productive all the time. We often have the belief that our worth is tied to constant achievements, which is cultivated through things like college applications, job promotions, and overall competitiveness. Even while growing up, grades, internships, and strong experiences may have always been put first. While these things are definitely important, it is very easy to burn out if you don’t pay attention to the health of your mind and body.

It can be very costly to ignore the signs of needing rest. According to a cross-country comparative analysis, insufficient sleep duration has been linked with the ailments that contribute to around half of the U.S. leading causes of death, like cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and hypertension. On the other hand, according to Psychology Today, rest helps regulate cortisol levels, preventing chronic stress that often leads to burnout and other diseases. It also activates the brain’s default mode network, which enhances skills such as creativity and problem-solving.

Rest doesn’t just come in the form of sleep, though. It looks very different depending on what you need. According to the American Psychological Association, 7 different types of rest help restore your body’s energy.

1. Physical rest: This can take many forms. Sleeping or taking a nap are the obvious choices, but you might need to get a massage to help loosen your muscles and help your body relax.
2. Mental rest: It is easy for your brain to get overwhelmed with the overwhelming nature of day-to-day responsibilities. It is important to schedule breaks and do something you enjoy, like watching a funny movie or reading a good book. Try to practice mindfulness while doing these activities for an added layer of mental wellness. 
3. Emotional rest: Emotions can be hard to process at times, even more so when you are tired and stressed. It is important to have someone to vent to and who can understand your feelings. You may even need to say “no” to intense activities that will overwhelm you even more.
4. Social rest: Constantly being around people can become draining, even for extroverts. It may be helpful to schedule fewer social activities or surround yourself with a few quality friends you truly enjoy spending time with, instead of a large crowd. Or, take one or two days off to spend time with yourself and do things that fill your cup.
5. Sensory rest: The world is a loud, fast-paced place that can be extremely overwhelming and overstimulating, especially with the advancement of technology. Take a break from the bustle and spend time outdoors. Maybe take a nap and treat yourself to a spa day!
6. Creative rest: If your job requires creativity, you can burn out from that as well. It can be hard to separate work from fun, especially in the realm of creativity. Find a way to do creative hobbies, like crocheting or drawing, for fun. It might help to do it with another person so you can distract yourself and let your creativity take over naturally.
7. Spiritual rest: If you are religious or spiritual, you may need to take a step back from specific ways of thinking that make you feel overwhelmed, stressed, or pressured. Focus on clearing your mind in other ways, like by spending time with family and friends.
8. Reframing rest: If you still feel that rest is unproductive, it may mean you need a shift in perspective. Reframing the idea might be helpful. Instead of viewing it as a waste of time, think of it as an investment in your energy.

Now that we are in the holiday season, there are many things you can do to maximize your rest. As a parent, it can be challenging to balance family, work, and preparing for the holidays. As a student, you might get bored or restless as the break progresses. However, it is important for all parties to recognize the importance of this time. It is a great opportunity to spend time with close family, eat tasty food, practice mindfulness, rest, and remember gratitude.

This time may be tough for people who have loved and lost. It can be lonely and bring up painful memories, especially if you have nothing to keep you busy. While this is true, this is just a reminder to take care of yourself. Treat yourself to something nice, wrap yourself in a fuzzy blanket, and take a break from all the hustle and bustle. If you don’t want to be alone, you can find meaningful activities in your community relating to the holiday season, like volunteering or decorating.

Just remember that it is okay to be selfish and take time for yourself. This allows you to be successful and happy in the future. Spend time with your loved ones, go out in your community, and treat yourself to rest and rejuvenation. You deserve it this holiday season!

To discuss how therapy could help you during this season of your life, please contact me or schedule your free 15-minute consultation.

Resources

Abramson, A. (2025, May 6). Seven types of rest to help restore your body’s energy. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/topics/mental-health/seven-rest-types 

Hafner, M., Stepanek, M., Taylor, J., Troxel, W. M., & van Stolk, C. (2017). Why Sleep Matters—The Economic Costs of Insufficient Sleep. Rand Health Quarterly, 6(4), 11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5627640/ 

Moon, T. (2025, August 21). Why Rest Is Productive: The Science of Doing Nothing | Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-authentic-joy/202508/why-rest-is-productive-the-science-of-doing-nothing

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