The Importance of Rest: Why Christian Women Need to Stop Running on Empty

Stop Wearing “Busy” Like a Badge of Honor

Do you truly understand the importance of rest? If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on fumes—pushing through exhaustion, juggling responsibilities, and wondering why you still feel drained even after a full night’s sleep—you’re not alone.

As Christian women, we often wear busy like a badge of honor. We convince ourselves that we have to keep going, that slowing down means falling behind, and that if we just pray harder, work smarter, or get more organized, things will finally feel manageable.

But what if the missing piece isn’t doing more? What if the key to breaking free from exhaustion is actually embracing rest?

Rest Is More Than Sleep—It’s a Biblical Mandate

When we think of rest, we often think of sleep. And yes, sleep is essential. But true, life-giving rest goes beyond simply getting eight hours a night.

Rest is about restoring your whole self—body, mind, and spirit. It’s about pausing long enough to breathe, reconnect with God, and allow healing to take place in areas you may not even realize are depleted.

God designed rest as a necessity, not a luxury. Even He rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3), and throughout scripture, we see Him calling His people to do the same.

Take Elijah, for example. In 1 Kings 19, after running for his life, Elijah collapses in exhaustion. God doesn’t scold him for feeling depleted. He doesn’t tell him to just pray harder or push through. Instead, He sends an angel who tells Elijah to eat and sleep.

A snack and a nap. Divine wisdom in its simplest form.

If Elijah—one of the greatest prophets—needed rest to continue his calling, so do we.

The 7 Types of Rest You Might Be Missing

So, if rest is more than sleep, what does it look like?

According to Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith, there are seven types of rest we all need:

1. Physical Rest – Quality sleep, stretching, deep breathing, and movement that restores rather than depletes.
2. Mental Rest – Creating space to quiet racing thoughts and break free from overthinking.
3. Emotional Rest – Releasing the weight of other people’s expectations and emotions.
4. Spiritual Rest – Deepening your connection with God and experiencing true peace in His presence.
5. Social Rest – Being intentional about who fills your cup versus who drains it.
6. Sensory Rest – Stepping away from screens, notifications, and overstimulation.
7. Creative Rest – Replenishing inspiration by enjoying beauty, nature, and creativity.

When we fail to meet these needs, exhaustion lingers no matter how much sleep we get. But when we intentionally make space for each type of rest, we begin to feel renewed, whole, and fully alive in our purpose.

The Transformative Benefits of Rest

Making rest a priority can be life-changing. Here’s how:

• Stronger Physical Health – Reduces stress, boosts immunity, and prevents chronic burnout.
• More Clarity & Creativity – When the mental clutter clears, ideas flow effortlessly.
• Emotional & Spiritual Renewal – Deepening your connection with God, yourself, and others.
• Better Decision-Making – When you’re rested, you make choices from a place of wisdom, not exhaustion.

I know this firsthand. After my separation in 2008, I found myself in a constant state of fatigue. Even when I slept, I felt drained. It wasn’t until I embraced the full spectrum of rest—mental, spiritual, emotional, and creative—that I finally began to heal.

And friend, if you’re feeling depleted right now, I promise you: there is a way out.

Let’s Reclaim the Rest God Designed for Us

If you’re ready to stop running on empty and start prioritizing the rest your soul actually needs, I’d love to invite you into a community of women who get it.

➡️ Join our Facebook group, Breakthrough to Your Calling for Christian Women, where we talk about faith, rest, purpose, and how to break free from the overwhelm that’s keeping you stuck.

🎙 Listen to the latest episode of the Her Unraveled Life Podcast – The Importance of Rest – where I dive deeper into practical ways to integrate real rest into your life. Find it anywhere you listen to podcasts, including Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.

You were never meant to live exhausted. You were called to live renewed, whole, and thriving in your God-given purpose.

Let’s reclaim the gift of rest together

Next Steps

Here Are more Christian Podcast Episodes For Women you may enjoy.

Want to dive deeper? Check out the Rest Series on my podcast:
🔹 The Importance of Rest
🔹 Physical Rest
🔹 Mental Rest
🔹 Social Rest
🔹 Emotional Rest
🔹 Sensory Rest
🔹 Creative Rest
🔹 Discovering God’s Rest

Start Your Mindset Transformation Today

If you’re ready to break free from negative thinking, finally get the rest your body and your mind need, and align your mindset with God’s truth, join my free Facebook community for Christian women where we dive deeper into faith, mindset, and personal growth. As a Christian Life Coach, it is my mission to help you step boldly into the woman God created to you to be… fully rested and fully armored.

And if this blog encouraged you, share it with a friend, leave a comment, or listen to the full episode of Her Unraveled Life for more practical ways to start taking your thoughts captive.

Your breakthrough starts now. Let’s take this journey together.