Ideas for Rest: Find the Break That Fits You
Rest isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some of us long to sink into stillness, while others get twitchy the second we try to sit still. That doesn’t mean you’re “bad at resting.” It simply means your nervous system has different needs.
Think of this list as a menu of micro-rest—something you can use between vacations, busy seasons, or on any ordinary day.
You don’t have to force yourself into practices that don’t fit. Instead, choose what feels nourishing in the moment, whether you’re craving calm or needing a way to move your energy.
For Those Who Crave Slowing Down
Sometimes your body or mind just wants to exhale. Here are simple ways to soften the pace.
A pair of white sled dogs taking a well-deserved break.
Small (5 min):
Lay flat or lean back in a chair. Place one hand on your chest and one on your belly. Take some deep breaths.
Engage your senses while making tea or coffee. Watch it drip, feel the warmth, and inhale the aroma.
Stand outside. Feel the sun on your skin. If it’s winter, pretend you’re doing a dry, cold plunge.
Create a clarity snapshot. Ask yourself: “I’m best when…”, “I want to improve on…” and “I’m proud of…” (Grab a template.)
Medium (30 min):
Take a device-free meal. Chew slowly and notice all the delicious flavors.
Journal one page answering: “What does my soul need today?”
Call a friend or family member. Ask how they’re doing and really listen.
Water your plants. Trim dead leaves or blooms while you’re at it.
Take a nap. Ease into it with a short meditation, and don’t worry if you drift off before it ends.
Large (1 hour +):
Take a long walk in nature without headphones. Notice the birds, trees, and small details around you.
Soak in a bath or long shower and let that be the only thing you do. Try it with dim lights.
Curl up with a book you love (not the one you “should” read).
Work on a creative project with your hands: painting, knitting, pottery, anything that feels satisfying.
For Those Who Struggle to Slow Down (Restless Energy)
Rest doesn’t always mean being still. Sometimes releasing energy is the most restful thing you can do.
A blur of people in motion, skipping in a collective circle.
Small (5 min):
Do a quick shake-out: stand up, roll your shoulders, really shake out your arms and legs.
Put on one energizing song and dance it out. (KPop Demon Hunters, anyone?)
Challenge someone nearby to push-ups, or just see how many you can do yourself.
Send a quick text or voice note to a friend. Let them know why you appreciate them.
Write a “done list” of everything you’ve accomplished in the day, big and small. (Did you count that email?)
Fold that pile of laundry that’s been waiting.
Make a rainbow. Hold a glass of water up to the window and play with the light.
Medium (30 min):
Go for a brisk walk or bike ride around the block.
Cook something simple. Plate it like a Michelin star restaurant.
Tidy one small area (like your desk or a drawer) and admire the newfound space.
Do a brain dump. Write out everything swirling in your mind, then sort each item into three categories: things outside my control, things I can influence, things fully within my control.
Large (1 hour +):
Take a movement class (boxing, dance, HIIT—anything that requires your focus and feels good).
Contribute to a hobby: painting, gardening, playing an instrument, learning a new language.
Do a walk-and-talk with someone new. Novelty is movement for the mind.
The Reframe: Why Rest Matters More Than You Think
Rest doesn’t have to mean lying on the couch (though, I love this too). It’s about being responsive to your body and giving your system what it needs, whether that’s stillness or movement.
If you care about being intentional, or if you’re someone who has big goals, rest is the ingredient you can’t skip. Breaks don’t slow you down. They keep you sharp by shaking up mind-numbing routines and bringing you back to yourself.
Start small: pick one item from this menu today and see how it feels. Over time, you’ll build your own personal rest menu to draw from.
Trust that your rest will keep you going, whether you’re running between high-stake deadlines or diaper changes.
Ready to find your version of rest before burnout finds you?
Let’s talk about how to make slowing down feel strategic, not scary.
Book a free discovery call and we’ll map out how to build more ease, excitement, and energy into your days. Or, if you’re curious but not ready to meet yet, you can join my newsletter for weekly tips and upcoming events.
