Do You Need Rest?
November can feel like a pause before the holiday rush—a moment when we can take stock of how we’re really doing. For many, this year has been particularly heavy, and the weight of daily stressors may be leaving you feeling depleted.
If your energy feels stretched thin, I want to ask you something simple: Do you need to rest?
We don’t ask ourselves this question nearly enough. We push through in the name of productivity or responsibilities, ignoring the signals our bodies are sending us. We begin to see rest as a luxury instead of the necessity it truly is.
The Necessity of Rest
Rest is essential, not optional. In a world that glorifies busyness, rest can feel indulgent or even selfish. But what if we reframed it? What if rest was viewed as an act of care—not just for yourself but for those you love and serve?
When we rest, we show up as our fullest selves. We have more energy to connect with others, make thoughtful decisions, and live with intention.
Reclaiming Rest Through Small Practices
Rest doesn’t have to mean a weeklong vacation (though that sounds lovely). It can look like pausing for five minutes to breathe deeply or closing your eyes during your lunch break. It could mean setting your phone down in the evenings or finally scheduling that afternoon nap you’ve been putting off.
Here are some questions to consider:
Do you need a break from screens or social media?
Do you need to say “no” to an extra responsibility?
Do you need time to move your body, stretch, or sit quietly?
Do you need an uninterrupted hour for a creative outlet, like journaling or painting?
When we allow ourselves to rest, we can feel our humanity.
A Gentle Challenge
I invite you to take a moment and consider: Do I need rest? If so, what does that look like for me?
Make it a priority, even if it’s just in small ways. You may discover that rest isn’t just a pause—it’s a powerful way to reconnect with yourself and the world around you.
Take care, dear ones.
