Rest and Recovery

I just got back from vacation and realized (going and coming back home) just how tired I was. My body needed it, but I noticed some things that I hadn't before. Rest, for many, means a quiet room without any noise or interruptions. For others, it might mean lots of activity or time in nature. During my time away, I had the opportunity to sit in silence, walk on the beach, and get a massage, but that was not were I found my version of rest. For me, rest is a patchwork of different things. I often sit with the television on—not because I'm engrossed in the show, but because the sound creates a background distraction that brings me peace and comfort.

Growing up in a home filled with noise and voices, silence wasn't something I equated with calm. Even now, with my husband having raised five children, silence often meant something was wrong. The sound of the television, a quiet hum of activity, creates a restful space for me to write and process my thoughts without feeling completely alone.

This approach to rest can feel unconventional. I've heard countless suggestions—shut down all noise, be alone with your thoughts or your God, and fiercely guard that space. But I've learned that rest doesn't fit into a one-size-fits-all model. It comes in multiple forms for me.

Sometimes, I need to feel my children's presence while I write through my thoughts. Other times, I treasure the rare pockets of silence where I can simply absorb the space around me. There are even moments when being with friends—either in person or on a phone call—provides the kind of rest that nothing else can. Each of these moments gives me a sense of peace and recovery, even if it doesn't fit the traditional mold.

But why does rest matter so much, especially for those of us with disabilities or social anxiety?

Rest and Recovery: A Necessity, Not a Luxury

Rest isn't just about recharging physically—it's about creating the mental and emotional space to process life. For individuals with social anxiety or neurodivergence, the constant navigation of social norms, sensory inputs, and unspoken expectations can be overwhelming. Without intentional rest, we risk burnout, heightened anxiety, and even physical exhaustion.

Here's what rest does for our brains:

1. Rest Calms the Nervous System

   Our brains are wired to react to stimuli, and for those of us with heightened sensitivity, even minor interactions can feel monumental. Rest helps dial down the "fight or flight" response, allowing our minds to settle.

2. Rest Enhances Creativity and Problem-Solving

   When we step away from the busyness of life, our brains have the chance to connect the dots and generate new ideas. For me, some of my best insights come when I'm sitting with a cup of tea, letting my mind wander, or painting on a quiet afternoon.

3. Rest Builds Resilience

   Social anxiety often leaves us feeling like we're running on empty. Rest helps refill that emotional tank, making it easier to face challenges and uncertainties.

   
   

Defining Your Own Rest

There's no right or wrong way to rest. It's deeply personal, and the way we rest may change depending on the season of life we're in. What matters most is that we prioritize it and allow ourselves the grace to rest in the way that serves us best.

For me, it's about leaning into what I need in the moment—whether that's the sound of laughter in the next room, the solace of silence, or the connection of a heartfelt conversation with a friend. Rest is not about perfection; it's about recovery.

How do you find rest in your life? What brings you peace and recovery when the world feels overwhelming?