The Rest You Didn’t Know You Needed: Why Physical Rest is More Than Just Sleep

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably convinced yourself that rest is a luxury you can’t afford. Between work, family, church, and all the responsibilities that pile up, rest feels like something you’ll get around to once everything else is done.

But here’s the truth: your body isn’t just asking for rest—it’s begging for it. And if you keep ignoring those signals, exhaustion, burnout, and overwhelm are inevitable.

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As a Christian life coach for women, I hear this all the time from my clients. They’re running on empty, constantly pushing through, and wondering why they feel exhausted, stressed, and stuck. But what if I told you that physical rest isn’t just about getting more sleep?

It’s about listening to your body and giving it what it truly needs.

In this episode of Her Unraveled Life, I dive deep into what physical rest really looks like—and why it’s absolutely essential for the vibrant, abundant life God has called you to live. Listen here or read on…

The Lie We’ve Been Told About Rest

Somewhere along the way, we started believing that rest was unproductive. That if we just push through, drink more coffee, or get one extra hour of sleep, we’ll feel better.

But here’s what I’ve learned: rest isn’t a reward for working hard—it’s a requirement for living well.

The Bible reminds us in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Notice that Jesus didn’t say, “Come to me, and I’ll help you push through.” He promised rest—because He knows we need it.

And not just any rest, but the kind that restores us physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Understanding Physical Rest: It’s More Than Just Sleep

When we think about rest, we usually think about sleep—and yes, getting quality sleep is incredibly important. But physical rest is about more than just what happens when your head hits the pillow.

There are two types of physical rest, and we need both to truly recover:

1. Passive Rest – The kind of rest your body does automatically, like sleeping or napping.
2. Active Rest – Intentional rest that helps your body recover, like stretching, deep breathing, or even gentle movement.

Think about it like this: you wouldn’t run your car on an empty tank, right? You’d stop to fill it up. Your body works the same way. If you’re constantly running on empty, eventually you’ll break down.

How to Incorporate Physical Rest into Your Life

Maybe you’re thinking, “Okay, but how do I actually rest when life is so busy?”

I get it. But rest doesn’t have to mean doing nothing. Sometimes, rest looks like:

• Taking a 10-minute walk outside to reset your nervous system
• Practicing deep breathing to calm stress and stimulate the vagus nerve
• Stretching in the morning or before bed to release tension
• Taking a hot bath or using cold therapy for muscle recovery
• Allowing yourself permission to pause without guilt

Rest is an act of faith. It’s trusting that God is still working, even when we slow down.

Listening to Your Body: The Key to Real Rest

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that our bodies are constantly speaking to us—we just don’t always listen.

That tension in your shoulders?
The headaches that keep coming back?
That exhaustion you can’t seem to shake?

Those aren’t random. They’re signals that your body needs something. The question is—will you listen?

God designed our bodies with wisdom. When we honor our need for rest, we honor the way He created us.

Are You Ready to Prioritize Rest?

If you’ve been feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or stuck in a constant state of go-go-go, I want to invite you to take a step back.

This episode of Her Unraveled Life is all about transforming the way you think about physical rest—and giving yourself permission to take care of your body the way God intended.

You can listen to the full episode about Physical Rest here

And if you’re looking for more support in creating a healthier, more balanced life, here are a few ways we can connect:

• Join my Free Facebook Community → www.amywadlington.com/community
• Book a Free 15-Minute Coffee Chat with Me → Schedule here
• Download My Free Guide: Getting Past Weight Loss Resistance → Get it here

Rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Let’s stop pushing through exhaustion and start embracing the rest that God has called us to.

Your body (and your soul) will thank you.