10 Ways to Make Room for Rest in a Busy Life

This morning, I got up early to take the dogs for a walk. It was still quiet in the house, but as soon as I opened the door, I could hear the birds singing and see the squirrels swinging on the branches of the trees.

With the music from the birds, the squirrels almost looked as if they were dancing.

I thought about how tired I felt—a happy hangover from all the food and sugary drinks I’d devoured over the holiday weekend.

As someone diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, I find that self-care is a vital part of a healthy lifestyle. Sugary drinks and processed foods are not my friends, although I occasionally indulge in them. Consuming too much sugar and processed food can lead to increased inflammation. During the weekdays, I do a pretty good job of eating healthy foods, but I allow myself some leeway on weekends and holidays.

Unfortunately, today, I’ve noticed the difference, and my body doesn’t feel like celebrating anymore.

After walking the dogs, I lay back down for a bit. I've learned to listen to my body and not push beyond my limits. To me, that is a form of self-care.

If you need a break or more rest, you’re not lazy or weak; you’re listening and honoring your body. That’s an important space to be in.

You’re allowed to slow down. You’re allowed to take up space with your healing. Whatever that may look like for you.

Perhaps you can't get back into bed because you're at work or have important tasks to complete. That's okay. How can you create a space for yourself to relax and recharge?

Tips to Help

Practice “Not Today”

Is it necessary? Does it have to be done right now? Pause before saying yes to anything new. Remember that you don’t have to do everything at the same time.

Honor the Weekend (or a day off)

Designate a portion of your day off as rest time. Even an hour or two helps. No tasks, nothing pressing. Just do what brings you peace.

 Create a Bedtime Routine

Choose two or three calming activities before bed. Try reading, journaling, or light stretching. Drink a cup of something warm and delightful. Take a hot shower or warm bath. This will signal your body that rest is coming, and you’re worthy of it.

Protect Your Lunch Break

Even if it is not a full break-step away from work. Avoid multitasking and eating. Find a quiet space and let yourself be instead of doing.

Build in “Mini Breaks”

Schedule short pauses between tasks. Be intentional in pausing. Even if it is 5-10 minutes, take the time to breathe and rest.

Try Soft Transitions

Avoid rushing from one meeting or task to another. Create a soft transition, such as a short walk after work, before picking up the kids or starting dinner. Listen to a playlist on the way home, or an entertaining speech about something you're interested in.

Start the Day Gently

Wake up a few minutes early to stretch, read a devotional, or enjoy a cup of coffee. Give yourself to yourself first.

Set Tech-Free Boundaries

Give your mind a rest from constant stimulation. Turn off all notifications for at least 30 minutes a day. Even if it is before bed, it still helps.

Self-care moments don’t have to be grand rituals. It is simply remembering that your value isn’t tied to your productivity. It’s tied to who you are.

 

·      Journaling to Rest

Journaling can be a quiet gateway to rest, not just sleep.

Writing gives you space to rid your mind of overthinking and clutter. Even five minutes of pen to paper can help. You may not solve every problem you have in one sitting, but you can see patterns and learn to recognize them. You can take an introspective look within and notice what needs to change.

Open your journal and ask questions

Writing in your journal is a way to lay down mental clutter. It’s a way to do an honest check-in with yourself. Think of it as an emotional exhale. Once you slow down and begin journaling, you can find peace and clarity. Remember that sometimes rest doesn’t just begin with sleep-it begins with inner dialogue and questions.

·       What can I let go of today-mentally, emotionally, or physically?

·       How do I want to feel-and what’s one small thing I can do to move in that direction?

·       What is one gentle reminder that I can carry into tomorrow?

·       What are the thoughts that keep me up at night, and how can I release them onto the page?

·       What can I say “no” to this week so I can say “yes” to myself?

Learning to journal is an opportunity to care for yourself beautifully. It’s a way to reflect internally, organize your thoughts, and reclaim your peace.

Remember that journaling doesn’t have to be a specific way. You don’t have to have it all figured out. That’s the great thing about having your own private space where you can be messy, tired, or hopeful. It’s a special place to untangle your thoughts, and you can write about all your feelings, good or bad.

So, I encourage you to find a way to rest today. Use some of the tools listed above. Write in your journal, or take a nature walk (even around your backyard), and notice all the beauty around you.

You deserve to rest.

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