Someone once said, “Sleep is necessary, but rest is important.” It’s a small but vital distinction: while sleep keeps us functioning, rest helps us thrive. Rest is a rejuvenating and holistic experience that brings us back to our center. It recharges not just the body, but the entire soul. And yet, so often we fail to actually do it. Ask yourself, when was the last time you let yourself truly rest?

We’ve offered three bits of advice to help you think more deeply and intentionally about living a well-rested life.

Define What Rest Means to You

“If you don’t design your life, then someone else may just design it for you, and you may not like their idea of balance.” – Nigel Marsh

Resting isn’t avoidance or boredom. So what is it? Well, that’s up to you. Rest is whatever you define it as, as long as it gives you space to mentally let go and leaves you feeling refreshed. In other words, rest is whatever allows you to just be: no worries, no pressure. It’s taking a walk, listening to music, or spending time with a friend. If it keeps you wired (i.e., scrolling through social media) or amps up your stress levels (i.e., watching the news), then it’s probably not rest.

Takeaway: Identify activities that genuinely help you relax and refresh. Create a personal definition of rest that fits your needs and lifestyle.

Make Time for Rest

“Have regular hours for work and play: make each day both useful and pleasant…” – Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

In our hustling, bustling society, rest is something we rarely think about. We get some zzzz’s every night and, if you’re lucky, chill out on the couch every now and then. Good enough, right? Some of us actually struggle to rest because we feel guilty about not being productive. But just like any aspect of wellness, rest is something we can approach mindfully and deliberately. Treat rest like you would anything else you value: plan it ahead of time and mark it on your calendar. If you struggle to get into it, don’t beat yourself up. Just try again the next time.

Takeaway: Schedule regular time for rest in your calendar. Treat it as an essential part of your routine, just like work or exercise.

Remember You Deserve to Rest

“Each person deserves a day away in which no problems are confronted, no solutions searched for. Each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us.” – Maya Angelou

Rest is not an indulgence; it’s a vital part of being a healthy and happy human. Even babies and children require quality play and naptime. No matter what your schedule looks like or how you spend your days, rest is something you deserve: you absolutely do not need to “earn” it. You are worthy of care, self-compassion, and renewal, whatever that looks like to you.

Takeaway: Embrace rest as a fundamental human need. Acknowledge that you deserve to rest and recharge, regardless of how busy your life may be.

Bringing It All Together

Incorporating genuine rest into your life can lead to profound improvements in your overall well-being. By defining what rest means to you, making time for it, and remembering that you deserve it, you can rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Start small, be patient with yourself, and gradually build a routine that honors your need for rest.

Rest is not a luxury; it is essential for a balanced and fulfilling life. Share these insights with friends and family, and inspire others to embrace the importance of genuine rest.