Are you able to rest and recover?

As 6 moms, we have all come to recognize the power of rest. Whether through a joyful activity, meditation, tucking away with a book, a nap or simply pressing pause, rest isn't a luxury, it is what fuels our full lives. We have all been in the "do more, accomplish more, keep going" cycle at times of our lives - and one way or another the need for rest becomes evident. Jen explains how traveling gives her the space to rest - and dream. Emilee shares a new habit that helps her intentionally slow down and Ashley breaks is all down when she explains, "If you’re constantly running on fumes, maybe the most disciplined thing you could do… is pause." Read on below to hear how 6 moms make rest a priority - and why.

Jen, Bespoke Travel Planner from @GlobalOnDemandTravel

The question is whether I truly allow myself to rest and recover. The honest answer is yes, there are moments. But they almost never happen at home. At home there is always something waiting. I am always working, driving the kids to sports, and thinking through itineraries and details for the families I plan travel for. My mind is constantly in motion, moving from one responsibility to the next.

That is why I travel. Travel creates the space I rarely give myself otherwise. In those moments away, I can be fully present. Present with my family, and just as importantly, present with myself. The noise quiets, the to-do lists fade, and I finally have room to breathe. That is when I can truly step back, recover, and let myself dream.

I’ve learned that the true sign my body is rested is simple: I dream.

It started on a family trip to London and Norway a few summers ago. I woke up one morning startled. I had a dream. For a moment, I just lay there in awe. I had convinced myself that dreaming was something left behind in childhood, that adults simply didn’t do it anymore. But once I finally gave myself the chance to truly rest, not just physically but mentally too, my dreams came back. And with them, a reminder of how powerful real rest can be.

Rebecca, Woman's Leadership Coach from @PleasantlyAggressive

I read a great book called “Rest is Resistance,” by Tricia Hersey, and it changed my perspective. It outlines why women, and Black women in particular, are expected to never rest and how many women who have a caregiving role in their lives are most susceptible. I saw the impact it was having on my physical and mental health. Not everything I do has to be “productive”. In fact, I’ve tried to stop using that word altogether because it conjures a sense of busy-for-the-sake-of-busy vibes.

I still don’t love being bored. So I try to choose an activity that is “not productive” but brings me joy and requires little energy - watching a movie, wandering around Home Goods, or napping.

And the key is to not see it as a reward, but simply because I can!

Ashley, Millennial Mom Nutrition Coach from @AshleyBreaksTheCycle

Yes. I rest. And I don’t feel guilty about it anymore.

Rest isn’t optional, it’s recovery. When you’re living inside the daily chaos of parenting, marriage, work, running a business, finances, sports schedules… if you’re not building in recovery time, it will show up somewhere.

It shows up as:

• weight gain

• dull skin

• anxious, dysregulated kids

• a chaotic home

• tension in your marriage

• out-of-control eating

• constant irritability

Back in the day, I used to think the answer was “do more.”

More workouts.

More organizing.

More cleaning.

More perfecting.

But that left me depleted, exhausted, frustrated and eventually injured. You wouldn’t keep your car’s foot on the gas 24/7 and expect it to run smoothly forever. It needs oil changes. It needs brakes. It needs time off the road.

Your body and nervous system are no different.

Many women equate rest with laziness. And laziness leads to guilt. And guilt leads to shame. And shame whispers, “You’re not doing enough.”

But rest actually equals:

• hormone regulation

• better sleep

• steadier blood sugar

• clearer thinking

• improved workouts

• better mood

• more patience

• stronger relationships

• better digestion

• fewer cravings

Rest is not weakness.

Rest is what allows you to show up powerful.

Recovery is productive.

And if you’re constantly running on fumes, maybe the most disciplined thing you could do… is pause.

Emilee, Book Aficionado from @The BookClubCart

I find rest comes when I am focused on taking care of myself; whether that is sitting with a book, getting a workout in, grabbing a coffee out, or an afternoon of shopping.

Recently a close friend introduced me to the benefits of meditation. I am currently aiming to meditate 15 minutes daily. On Sundays, we meet and I meditate with her for 30 minutes. Let me tell you - this is not easy. Sitting still with a book is what I consider rest. Sitting still for 30 minutes alone with your thoughts? Honestly, it's pretty difficult. However, I am starting to see the benefits of meditating and the effect it has overall.

Currently, I am noticing that I am finding peace in the everyday quiet. I am not having to entertain myself as much with my phone, audiobook, or music. If I meditate earlier in the morning, it helps clear my head to start the day.

I think rest and recovery can look different at each stage of life. It is so important to find that rest in whatever season of life you are in.

Ali, Book Aficionado from @The BookClubCart

For most of my life, I’ve felt like I could never sit down because there’s always just too much to get done. And when I’m feeling anxious? Forget it — resting feels impossible. But lately I’ve started realizing that living in that constant heightened state of stress, sickness, and exhaustion isn’t sustainable. It’s actually harmful to my health and my overall well-being.

This past year, I’ve been giving myself permission to slow down. If I’m tired, I try to just sit, sleep, or be okay leaving things unfinished. Naps have become a weekly habit — I’ll sneak in a 20-minute nap anytime I get the chance. My kids are finally at an age where I don’t have to be with them every second, and I think that transition has been part of the struggle. For so many years, my life revolved around their schedules — naps, snacks, playdates — and I used that time to power through my to-do list. Rest was never really an option.

I’m learning that rest isn’t lazy — it’s necessary. But I’m still a work in progress. So please, send all the tips for learning how to truly rest and relax!

Kim, Home Connoisseur from @Reverie.and.Root & Founder of Spilling Goodness

Following a 10K race, my Garmin had some serious rest demands!

For a long time, "rest" felt like a four letter word. It felt like something that I could get to once the entire to-do list was finished. I just had one more thing to check off before I would "rest." And, while I am a lot more aware and have a greater appreication for rest now, I still play a little jedi mind trick to fully believe in the power of rest.

See, being productive is calming to me. I feel better when I know I've made progress on something. So, that's my default. However, my mind trick is focusing on how rest IS productive. My running is stronger after a rest day. My mind is sharper when I'm not overwhelmed. And, I'm a happier parent after a good night's sleep. Rest is really the OG hack. Ashley explained cortisol to me once and I had a real ah-ha moment. As it relates to running and to life - more isn't always better. And, I'm trying to weave this into my life and our home. Even if I have to put "rest" on the to-do list. I am who I am!

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Are you able to rest and recover?