Rested

Are you drained, overwhelmed, or just a bit "off"? These are critical signs that your body is needing more than just sleep. Your body is craving deep, restorative rest.

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Pushing Through - a badge of honor???

What recognition are we striving for? It's wise to dig into this and find ways to live at peace with what you can and cannot do.

Living in an environment of measurable outcomes breeds the constant need to do more. We find ourselves always trying to add more because this makes us feel like we're worthy.

Unfortunately, this accomplishment track can lead to burnout that looks like fatigue, weariness, irritability, anxiety, and an underlying tension that won't go away.

What red flags is your body waving that you're ignoring?

Reframing Rest.

The truth is, rest isn't a luxury - it's a necessity and when we ignore this, we can suffer both physically, emotionally and spiritually. Our whole self begins to get lost in all the noise of doing more and more and more. We must begin to learn how to recharge ourselves so that we can live our lives with joy and vitality.

Types of Rest.

Where do you see areas of "running on empty"? Addressing these places can be a good first step in restoring balance and purpose without the constant push of always producing.

Caring for ourselves is not selfish - it's essential.

Physical Rest.

Physical rest supports muscle repair, hormone regulation, and immune function. Without this type of rest, we risk fatigue, injury, and a weakened immune system.

Try This.

• Include stretching, gentle movement, and deep breathing.

• Legs Up The Wall - 10 minutes before bedtime.

• Guard your sleep and aim for 7-9 hours.

Mental Rest.

This type of rest helps to reset our brain, improves memory, decision-making, and problem-solving. Living in a chronic stressed state leads to burnout and cognitive decline.

Try This.

• Reduce phone time - allow 1 hour in the morning & evening for a no phone zone.

• Spend 5-10 minutes meditating.

• Stop staying late trying to finish everything.

Emotional Rest.

Emotional exhaustion depletes precious neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Pursuing emotional rest helps us restore balance and resilience.

Try This.

• People pleasing personalities rarely feel emotionally rested - so consider this.

• Prioritize connections with those you love.

• Journal your feelings.

• Allow all your emotions to be felt instead of stuffing them.

Cognitive Rest.

Constant mental activity depletes our brain's ability to function optimally. Resting resets our brain which improves focus and memory.

Try This.

• Take regular breaks from mentally demanding and draining tasks.

• Shift the focus from intense to lighter easier tasks.

• Practice awareness around how your body feels when engaged in mentally stressful situations.

• Switch it up and find some easy and enjoyable activities.

Creative Rest.

Creativity requires mental clarity and energy. Taking the time to rest allows our brain to recharge, foster new ideas and avoid burnout.

Try This.

• Put on some music while working on tasks.

• Take an actual break and do something else out of the ordinary.

• Go outside, explore time in nature.

• Cook something new.

• Explore a craft without needing it to be perfect.

Spiritual Rest.

When we're always on the go, trying to do more and more, we cannot connect to the deep peace and sense of purpose we can receive when we connect with God. Time daily in prayer, meditation, and reading Scripture greatly reduces stress and promotes an abiding resilence that buffers life events.

Try This.

• Start your day quietly reflecting on your relationship with God.

• Read Scripture and allow it to penetrate your heart.

• Enjoy and cultivate alone time regularly.

• Connect with others.

Social Rest.

Too much of anything can be draining and when we're with others constantly, this can drain our emotional energy. Taking a social break from others will help to recharge and maintain our mental health.

Try This.

• Look at your calendar and determine if you're always needing to do something with or for others.

• Intentionally place quiet days into your week to recharge.

• Make time with those who energize you.

• Stop comparing your bandwith of social connections with others.

Finding Balance.

Our physical body depends on the right inputs to remain healthy and this post challenges you to broaden your perspective by including the importance of making rest a valuable marker for lifelong health.

I'm writing this blog today from a place of weariness and deep fatigue. Because sometimes just knowing what to do is much easier to do when you're telling someone else what to do.

Just because you know - doesn't mean you're doing what it takes to heal.

Change What Isn't Working.

This Fall I began to create a class addressing common complaints of the peri and menopause woman. I identify with this group and have found similar issues as I age. There are many things I've done well in the past but they aren't serving me well anymore and I too want to find a way to feel better.

I have the priviledge of having many devices and testing opportunities to reveal my metabolic health status and quite frankly - the results aren't great.

At first, I decided to just double down and do more, work harder and gut it out. But thankfully, one test revealed some troubling findings around mineral status that pointed toward a body moving into burn-out. I was frustrated and angry that here I am almost burned out and not able to fix myself.

Be Still - My Sabbatical.

But soon sanity returned and as I read and studied the findings, a common theme emerged. My body needs rest - less not more. So I'm actually following exactly what I would coach a client to do. Looking at my current lifestyle and schedule and determine what's not working and then explore new ways to live.

This will mean that my Restore business will take a much need pause until January 2026.

I will check-in with established clients, but I'm committed to NOT beginning anything new! [Peter will keep me honest.]

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Practices I'm Practicing.

• Listening to my body, mind and soul each morning.

• Reading books for fun, instead of acquiring knowledge.

• Explore cooking again.

• Writing just for the joy it brings.

• Becoming a more engaged wife, mom, grandma, and friend.

• Exploring with Peter in our trailer.

And, I do believe my wonky health scores will improve too.

I'll keep you posted - You can find me with my feet up the wall most evenings!

Thanks for reading,

Jan