What is Rest?

Have you ever wondered why rest is such a game-changer, especially when it comes to concussion recovery... or even just our overall well-being? We talk about rest a lot, but what does it actually mean to rest? Let’s dive into the purpose of rest, how it transforms us, and why it's far more powerful than we often realize...

Rest isn’t just about lying still or doing nothing. Sure, we might think of rest as lounging on the couch with Netflix in the background, but true rest serves a much deeper, crucial purpose. It’s about restoration, replenishment, healing, and refueling... both for the body and the brain. It's about giving ourselves the space to *integrate* what we've been through — whether physically or mentally — so we can move forward... continue learning, growing, and yes, even challenging ourselves.

Now, let’s get real for a moment. Sometimes, we believe we're resting when, in fact, we're not. We might be doing activities that appear restful on the surface — like scrolling through our phones or watching TV — but those don’t always help us refuel. So... how do you know if what you're doing is actually restful? And how can you be sure you’re getting the kind of rest your body and mind *need* to thrive?

Let’s break it down...

The True Purpose of Rest

Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. When you’ve been dealing with something as life-altering as a concussion... or even just the daily grind of life... your brain and body need time to repair, refuel, and come back stronger. It’s like plugging in your phone — if you never let it charge, it’s going to die, right? Well... the same goes for us.

Rest allows us to recharge our “battery.” It helps restore the body’s energy and balance, allowing us to remain productive, clear-minded, and healthy in the long run. Think of rest as maintenance for your brain’s operating system — it clears the clutter, smooths out the glitches, and gets you ready to take on whatever life throws your way.

What Rest Isn’t

Now, let’s talk about what rest isn’t. Rest isn’t simply the absence of activity. Just because you're not working or exerting yourself doesn’t mean you're resting. Sometimes, what seems like rest is actually more draining... For instance, scrolling endlessly on social media might feel like downtime, but it can leave us feeling more exhausted and mentally cluttered than before. 

To figure out if an activity is truly restful, you need to tune into how it makes you feel *afterward.* Do you feel calm, more centered, maybe even a bit more creative? Or do you feel overstimulated... restless... and more tired than when you started? This awareness is key to getting the most out of your rest.

Different Forms of Rest

Here’s the thing... rest can look different for everyone. For some, it might be a slow walk in nature or a quiet moment with a book. For others, it’s switching tasks or engaging in something that challenges a different part of the brain. Switching between types of activities gives different systems in the brain a chance to recover and reset. 

So... if you’re someone who’s always "on," running at full speed, rest might not mean *doing nothing*... but doing something that helps you unwind in a new way. That could be physical rest, mental rest, emotional rest, or even sensory rest — anything that takes the pressure off and allows for genuine recovery.

How to Incorporate Rest into Your Routine

Incorporating rest into your daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require intention. One of the best ways to know if an activity is restful is to ask yourself afterward: *Did I feel refueled or drained?* Based on that, you can start weaving more of the activities that genuinely restore you into your day.

Rest doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing deal... You can integrate small moments of rest throughout your day — taking five minutes to breathe deeply... stepping away from the computer to stretch... or engaging in a short meditation. These little resets add up and help you stay at your best, whether you’re recovering from a concussion or simply trying to keep up with life’s demands.

The Power of Rest

At the end of the day, rest isn’t just about doing nothing... It’s about doing the right things that allow you to recharge your mind and body effectively. It’s about *being intentional* with your downtime and making sure that when you do rest, it counts.

Whether you’re on a journey to heal from a concussion or just trying to navigate the demands of daily life... rest is the secret sauce to staying calm, focused, and creative. So, let’s start looking at rest not as something we do when we’re “done,” but as an essential part of the process that keeps us moving forward... ready to take on the world with a full battery.

Rest is something I’m incredibly passionate about, especially in the context of concussion recovery. In fact, I often tell my clients that without proper rest, healing just won’t happen... Your body needs that time to repair itself, and when we rest, we give it the fuel to do exactly that. What does rest look like for you? If you're unsure where to start, take a moment today to reflect on your rest habits and try adding in one small restorative practice that helps you feel refreshed. You'll be amazed at the difference it can make. – Natasha